The report’s findings included:

Wheat production was particularly hard-hit. The harvest was down 22% from the average yields over the previous five years. At recent prices, the lower yields could cost farmers $212.4 million. In 2014, USDA reported Washington’s wheat crop was worth $715 million.
The apple industry estimated the drought or extreme heat reduced production by 280 million pounds. Based on 2014 prices, the lower yields represented a potential loss of $86.52 million. Apples were a $1.9 billion business in 2014. Early harvest varieties were most affected by water shortages and heat in the Yakima Valley. Apple growing regions to the north in Chelan, Okanogan and Douglas Counties were hurt less by the drought.
Blueberries, grown primarily in northwest Washington, also lost production to the heat. Based on estimates from growers, the drought reduced yields by 8 million pounds, causing a loss in income of approximately $12 million.
Red raspberries, also grown in the northwest corner of state, suffered a 26% decline in production. The lower yields cost farmers an estimated $13.9 million.
Cherries and pears, two of Washington’s top 10 crops, were harvested early because of high temperatures in Central Washington and the Columbia Basin. The crops, however, sustained little damage.
Some 460 growers were asked whether the drought and heat impacted the quality or marketability of their crops. About 65% said they had.
One-third of growers said they spent money for drought-relief measures such as cloth shades, sprinklers or more efficient irrigation equipment.

The preliminary assessment did not try to put a figure on how much farmers spent to cope with drought.

Special Reports /

Preliminary estimate for Washington state drought is $336M

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