Spring fieldwork advanced last week due to warmer and drier weather, according to the Mountain Region Field Office of the National Agricultural Statistics Service, USDA.

In northeastern and east central counties, calving and lambing progressed well since temperatures were warmer last week. Drier conditions allowed fieldwork to proceed, but reporters noted some fields were still too wet for fieldwork. Reporters mentioned winter wheat was actively growing; recent moisture improved the outlook for the crop.

In the San Luis Valley, barley planting picked up speed last week despite minor precipitation events. In southeastern counties, a drier week allowed fieldwork to progress well. Producers began using irrigation water, but some ditches were not turned on yet.

Statewide, winter wheat condition was rated 70 percent good to excellent, compared to 42 percent rated good to excellent last year.

As of April 5, 2019, snowpack in Colorado was 132 percent measured as percent of median snowfall. The Southwest and San Luis Valley were 154 and 146 percent, respectively.

Stored feed supplies were rated 2 percent very short, 18 percent short, 78 percent adequate, and 2 percent surplus.

Sheep death loss was 4 percent heavy, 49 percent average, and 47 percent light.

Cattle death loss was 7 percent heavy, 81 percent average, and 12 percent light.