WAWG
For the week ending April 24
Warmer temperatures give Washington producers a foreseeable good crop year
There were 6.5 days suitable for work. Pasture conditions were reported as 0% very poor, 0 % poor, 23% fair, 67% good and 10% excellent. Temperatures throughout the state ranged from 33 degrees Fahrenheit in the central region to 90 degrees Fahrenheit in the western and southeast regions. Temperatures were warmer than usual across the state for this time of year.
Counties such as Kittitas and Yakima reported using frost control measures. Fruit trees were in full bloom throughout the state. Chelan County wheat producers reseeded areas of their fields that that did not emerge last fall. Winter wheat conditions were good for Columbia and Walla Walla counties, although rust was reported as a slight concern. Berry crops looked good throughout the western side of the state. Pacific County had its earliest cranberry bloom in recent history. Blueberries were in full bloom in Snohomish County. Asparagus harvest continued while hop crews were burring back some hop mounds in Yakima County. Canola began to bloom and cabbage seedpod weevils were out in Douglas County. San Juan and Snohomish counties reported farmers disked fields for planting and replanting.
Calving season for ewes and cattle wound down this week. Spring lambs and calves were in great condition. Livestock producers continued to put their cattle out to pasture. Hay and other forages had higher-than-normal growth rates.
Overall, Washington crops were in good to excellent condition and were ahead of schedule due to the warmer weather.
