Crop Progress

Colorado is faring slightly better than the national average when it comes to planting this season.

USDA Meteorologist Brad Rippey

Not quite so bad in Colorado where the Mountain Region Field Office of the National Agricultural Statistics Service reported spring planting and fieldwork made substantial gains despite rain and cooler temperature in the previous week.

Northeastern and east central county reporters noted early week moisture kept producers out of the field. Snow was reported in some areas.

A reporter noted most crops looked good, but producers of non-irrigated crops and those with rangeland felt more moisture was needed going forward.

In the southwestern district, snowpack ratings remained above last year. The U.S. Drought Monitor reports that portions of the southernmost counties remained the only counties rated as abnormally dry to experiencing moderate drought

In the San Luis Valley, a reporter noted cattle producers experienced more cows than normal losing their calf, but the reason was not identified. Lambing was reportedly progressing well.

Spring barley planting started to slow down and potato producers made significant progress planting last week. Hay supplies were noted as a little tight. Southeastern counties received rain last week, slowing progress of corn planting. A reporter mentioned limited hay was being cut and producers were taking action against weed pressure in the crop.

Statewide, winter wheat condition was rated 73 percent good to excellent, compared to 53 percent rated good to excellent last year. The snowpack in Colorado was 132 percent of median snowfall.