Colorado Crop Progress Report – Week Ending March 31

AGRICULTURAL SUMMARY: Mixed conditions allowed producers slightly more days in the field last week, but most areas remained too wet for fieldwork, according to the Mountain Region Field Office of the National Agricultural Statistics Service, USDA. Northeastern county reporters noted milder weather last week was better for livestock producers. Late-week moisture benefitted nonirrigated cropland and pasture conditions; winter wheat fields were noted as greening up. Little fieldwork was noted due to wet conditions. In east central counties, soil moisture conditions were noted as excellent and warmer temperatures had areas starting to green up. Producers proceeded with spring fieldwork. Prior drought conditions continued to recede in southwestern counties due to recent moisture. According to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor report, a few counties remained abnormally to moderately dry. In the San Luis Valley, a reporter noted barley planting started. Snow was received late in the week, keeping the ground wet in most areas. Pastures were noted as just starting to green up. In southeastern counties, light rain during the week kept fields wet. Fieldwork remained slow due to wet conditions. Statewide, winter wheat condition was rated 66 percent good to excellent, compared to 39 percent rated good to excellent last year. As of March 27, 2019 snowpack in Colorado was 140 percent measured as percent of median snowfall. The Southwest and San Luis Valley were 161 and 151 percent, respectively. Stored feed supplies were rated 2 percent very short, 21 percent short, 76 percent adequate, and 1 percent surplus. Sheep death loss was 5 percent heavy, 39 percent average, and 56 percent light. Cattle death loss was 8 percent heavy, 69 percent average, and 23 percent light.

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