Isolated precipitation held soil moisture supplies steady last week, according to the Mountain Region Field Office of the National Agricultural Statistics Service, USDA.

In northwestern counties, snow cover receded from meadows and south-facing slopes, but moving stock to pasture was noted as still a few weeks off. Northeastern county reporters noted calving was nearing completion and fieldwork progressed around precipitation events. Below freezing temperatures at night hindered some progress.

In east central counties, beneficial moisture was received and reporters noted winter wheat was growing quickly.

In the San Luis Valley, warmer and drier conditions aided producer fieldwork. Barley emergence picked up and seed potato growers were noted as just beginning to plant last week. Alfalfa damaged last winter was reported as being replanted to another crop for this year.

In southeastern counties, last week was dry and windy. A reporter noted producers were preparing to plant corn, despite cooler ground.

Statewide, winter wheat condition was rated 73 percent good to excellent, compared to 36 percent rated good to excellent last year.

As of April 22, 2019, snowpack in Colorado was 128 percent measured as percent of median snowfall. The Southwest and San Luis Valley were 159 and 130 percent, respectively.

Stored feed supplies were rated 1 percent very short, 17 percent short, 80 percent adequate, and 2 percent surplus.

Sheep death loss was 1 percent heavy, 82 percent average, and 17 percent light.

Cattle death loss was 1 percent heavy, 86 percent average, and 13 percent light.