Wheat University & Crop Progress

Wheat University & Crop Progress

I’m Lacy Gray with Washington Ag Today.

The Washington Association of Wheat Growers and WSU are hosting “Wheat University” May 8 from 9am to 4pm at the WSU Lind Dryland Research Station. The free program will focus on what is going on below the surface, covering such topics as micronutrients, soil profiles and tillage. A presentation on herbicide resistance and the need for integrated weed management delivered by Drew Lyon, WSU's endowed chair in small grains extension and research for weed science, will also be included in the program. Those interested in attending must register by April 26 with the Washington Association of Wheat Growers office.

Ag Information Network’s Greg Martin is here with the most current Washington crop progress and condition report.

MARTIN: Well Lacy, warmer than usual temperatures across much of the state this spring has advanced the date of fruit tree flower development by nearly two weeks. At low elevations around Wenatchee apricot orchards are in bloom and peaches, nectarines and pears should soon follow. The good weather has also allowed several producers to get a good portion of spring planting nearly completed. Growers have started applying a top dressing of nitrogen to their winter wheat crop and report that the crop’s condition appears to be average for this time of year. In the central part of the state developing alfalfa crops show no signs of leaf deformation from late March frost. On the west side berries are budding out, high tunnel plantings of early greens are underway, and for the most part beets, kale and transplanted sugar snap peas have been planted.

Thanks Greg. 

I’m Lacy Gray and that’s Washington Ag Today on the Ag Information Network.