WAWG
For the week ending May 15
Washington state crops ahead of schedule and livestock are thriving
There were 6.0 days suitable for field work. Pasture conditions were reported as 6 % poor, 17% fair, 52% good and 25% excellent. Temperatures throughout the state ranged from 32 degrees Fahrenheit in the central region to 90 degrees Fahrenheit in the southeast region, with a statewide temperature differential of 2 degrees to 10 degrees above normal.
Pasture and forage conditions were good throughout the state. Cattle and other livestock were in good condition as they fed on the abundant forages. Throughout the state, producers harvested first cutting alfalfa and hay.
Many counties reported being dry and needing rain. Klickitat County reported that the hot and dry weather was starting to negatively impact their crops. Stevens and Spokane Counties reported receiving rainfall on Sunday. San Juan County reported their berry crops were blooming, and fruit trees showed maximum fruit due to the dry and sunny bloom period from the spring. Snohomish County raspberries continued to bloom.
Sweet cherries were harvested early in Yakima County with the most plentiful harvest in decades. Apple, peach, and nectarine fruit tree thinning was also under way.
Vegetable fields were finished being planted and transplanted.
Chelan and Douglas Counties reported lower than normal cherry yields due to the hot weather during bloom. Skagit County spinach seed planting neared completion with corn and potato planting in full swing.
Columbia, Walla Walla, Adams and Lincoln Counties reported rust in their wheat fields which caused some producers to spray a second time. Chelan and Douglas Counties reported that winter wheat was two weeks ahead of schedule and below normal plant size due to the early warm spring weather.
