Crop Progress and Condition – Week Ending May 13, 2018

AGRICULTURAL SUMMARY: Hot and dry conditions accelerated fieldwork and planting activities last week, according to the
Mountain Region Field Office of the National Agricultural Statistics Service, USDA. Precipitation late last week was mostly confined
to northern and some eastern counties. Northeastern county reporters observed damaging hail and isolated heavy rainfall, although
moisture continued to improve dryland crop and rangeland conditions. In east central counties, those who haven’t received moisture
noted the winter wheat was severely stressed. High winds were also reported. Southwestern counties missed out on precipitation last
week, and reporters noted conditions worsened. In Archuleta and La Plata counties, irrigation water was already shut off with reports
of crop losses. Livestock producers continued to sell off due to drought. High winds and extreme fire danger were also reported. In
the San Luis Valley, no moisture was received and pastures were noted to be slow-growing. Hay supplies continued to shorten and
producers were feeding longer than expected. Fall potato planting really picked up last week and the majority of small grains planting
was complete. In southeastern counties, wheat aphid infestations were reported to be severe in areas, with producers swathing some
wheat for forage in response. Statewide, calving and lambing were mostly complete. As of May 14, 2018, snowpack in Colorado was
46 percent measured as percent of median snowfall. The Southwest and San Luis Valley were 7 and 1 percent, respectively. Stored feed
supplies were rated 9 percent very short, 20 percent short, 70 percent adequate, and 1 percent surplus. Sheep death loss was 51 percent
average and 49 percent light. Cattle death loss was 81 percent average and 19 percent light.

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