Northwest Progress Behind Average and Last Year

The cold winter and wet spring have pushed much of the production in the Northwest back to where it’s late compared to the five-year average.

In Oregon just 45 percent of the spring wheat is planted, five-year average is 56. Barley, oats, potatoes and several other crops are also behind getting planted.

In Washington spring wheat is 27 percent behind the five-year normal of 38 percent planted and barley is 21 percent off. The same story for potatoes and dry peas which are all well behind the five-year average.

The good news is that winter wheat in both states looks great with 87 percent of Washington and 84 percent of Oregon in good to excellent condition.

If you have a story idea for the Washington Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail krounce@cherrycreekradio.com.