CROP PROGRESS AND CONDITION – WEEK ENDING MARCH 24, 2019

AGRICULTURAL SUMMARY: Wet conditions kept producers out of the field last week, according to the Mountain Region Field Office of the National Agricultural Statistics Service, USDA.

Northeastern county reporters noted calving and lambing were in full swing and fieldwork was delayed due to moisture. A reporter noted some fertilizer and chemical applications were made on non-irrigated cropland where conditions allowed.

Winter wheat and rangeland conditions were favorable due to recent moisture. In east central counties, late week precipitation brought over an inch of moisture to areas. Producers were notably behind and unable to begin field preparation due to the moisture. In southwestern counties, a reporter noted snow cover was receding fast due to warmer temperatures. Soil moisture conditions were noted as excellent.

Late spring storms and cold conditions continued to negatively impact calving. San Luis Valley reporters noted fieldwork was minimal due to wet conditions. In southeastern counties, reporters noted late week precipitation kept conditions wet but temperatures were not cold. Calving losses decreased due to more moderate temperatures. Fieldwork was notably slow due to wet weather.

A reporter mentioned pastures were beginning to green up earlier than last year due to moisture. Statewide, winter wheat condition was rated 68 percent good to excellent, compared to 39 percent rated good to excellent last year. As of March 21, 2019 snowpack in Colorado was 140 percent measured as percent of median snowfall.

The Southwest and San Luis Valley were 157 and 150 percent, respectively. Stored feed supplies were rated 1 percent very short, 22 percent short, 75 percent adequate, and 2 percent surplus. Sheep death loss was 7 percent heavy, 57 percent average, and 36 percent light. Cattle death loss was 13 percent heavy, 75 percent average, and 12 percent light.