Corn planting started in areas across the state amidst warmer and drier weather last week, according to the Mountain Region Field Office of the National Agricultural Statistics Service, USDA.

In northeastern and east central counties, drier weather reportedly allowed producers more days in the field last week. Spring calving was nearing completion and producers began branding and vaccination protocols in preparation of turning livestock to summer pasture. A reporter noted fertilizer and herbicide applications were made to wheat in between precipitation events last week.

In southwestern counties, soil moisture supplies continued to hold steady from recent precipitation.

In the San Luis Valley, fieldwork was slowed by wind and rain last week. Barley planting progressed steadily around weather events and many producers were gearing up for potato planting. A reporter noted livestock were in good condition and pastures were greening up.

In southeastern counties, the weather was drier and corn planting started last week. Frost was noted but did not appear to cause very much damage to winter wheat.

Statewide, winter wheat condition was rated 76 percent good to excellent, compared to 49 percent rated good to excellent last year.

As of April 26, 2019, snowpack in Colorado was 120 percent measured as percent of median snowfall. The Southwest and San Luis Valley were 157 and 128 percent, respectively.

Stored feed supplies were rated 2 percent very short, 18 percent short, 76 percent adequate, and 4 percent surplus.

Sheep death loss was 97 percent average and 3 percent light.

Cattle death loss was 2 percent heavy, 87 percent average, and 11 percent light.