Colorado CROP PROGRESS AND CONDITION – WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 15, 2019

AGRICULTURAL SUMMARY: Harvest of spring crops progressed around isolated precipitation last week, according to the Mountain Region Field Office of the National Agricultural Statistics Service, USDA. In northwestern counties, frost in some areas ended the growing season, according to a county reporter. Cool-season grasses in the area were still growing where moisture was adequate. In northeastern and east central counties, harvesting activities picked up significantly last week where conditions allowed.  

Reporters noted rain in areas was enough to delay the start of corn silage harvest for some producers. More producers also began seeding winter wheat last week. Hail that was severe enough to damage crops was reported in a couple northeastern counties. Received moisture was beneficial for pasture and rangeland conditions, but dry pockets remained in need of moisture. Scattered moisture was received in southwestern counties last week, but overall conditions remained dry.  

According to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor report, abnormally dry and moderate drought conditions expanded in southwestern counties. In the San Luis Valley, barley harvest was virtually complete and potato harvest reportedly made good progress.  

Third cutting of alfalfa also began. A reporter noted some livestock producers were moving stock out of the mountains into lower pastures. In southeastern counties, a reporter noted portions of north central Bent and Prowers counties received very heavy rainfall last week along with small hail. Rain in the area greatly benefitted crops that were in need of rain. Hay harvest continued, but was slow.  

Statewide, stored feed supplies were rated 5 percent short, 78 percent adequate, and 17 percent surplus. Sheep death loss was 2 percent heavy, 63 percent average, and 35 percent light. Cattle death loss was 74 percent average and 26 percent light.