Image
Person standing in a wheat field using a tablet device with agriculture icons imposed

Ag stats: Colorado crop progress and condition report – week ending April 11, 2021

© iStock - monkeybusinessimpages

Dry and windy weather was prevalent throughout the state last week as spring fieldwork continued, according to the Mountain Region Field Office of the National Agricultural Statistics Service, USDA.

In northeastern counties, planting preparations progressed but soil temperatures remained cold. A county report noted cold temperatures held winter wheat progress back slightly in the area. A county report also noted crop producers expressed concern regarding possible reduced irrigation water supplies this season. Calving and lambing continued with some producers nearing completion. Lack of received moisture and high winds remained very concerning for crop and pasture conditions moving forward.

East central counties received isolated and welcome moisture last week. High winds were also observed, counteracting most benefits of the observed precipitation.

In southwestern counties, no moisture was received las week. Extremely high winds were reported. Most of the district remained in extreme to exceptional drought according to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor report.

The San Luis Valley experienced another dry week with cool temperatures. Barley planting continued but not as quickly as the prior week. Some producers began irrigating last week. A county report noted the possibility of fewer barley acres planted this year due to water supply concerns.

In southeastern counties, winter wheat condition continued to improve from prior moisture, but more is needed to sustain the crop going forward. High winds were reported last week. Warmer temperatures also supported alfalfa growth.

As of April 9, 2021, snowpack in Colorado was 79 percent measured as percent of median snowfall. The Southwest and San Luis Valley were 71 and 90 percent, respectively.

Stored feed supplies were rated 20 percent very short, 27 percent short, 52 percent adequate, and 1 percent surplus.

Sheep death loss was 2 percent heavy, 61 percent average, and 37 percent light.

Cattle death loss was 5 percent heavy, 66 percent average, and 29 percent light.

CROP AND LIVESTOCK PROGRESS

Commodity

Current week

Previous week

Previous year

5-year average

 

(percent)

(percent)

(percent)

(percent)

Barley 

    

Planted 

30 

26 

34 

24 

Onions 

    

Planted 

-- 

19 

Winter wheat 

    

Pastured 

14 

18 

11 

15 

Jointed 

19 

11 

11 

Cattle and calves 

    

Cows calved 

84 

77 

80 

75 

Sheep and lambs 

    

Ewes lambed 

70 

61 

80 

69 

DAYS SUITABLE FOR FIELDWORK AND SOIL MOISTURE CONDITION

 

Current week

Previous week

Previous year

5-year average

Days suitable for fieldwork 

6.4 

6.4 

6.3 

5.5 

Topsoil moisture 

(percent)

(percent)

(percent)

(percent)

Very short 

15 

13 

17 

11 

Short 

38 

39 

30 

21 

Adequate 

47 

48 

51 

64 

Surplus 

-- 

-- 

Subsoil moisture 

    

Very short 

31 

29 

13 

11 

Short 

35 

41 

22 

24 

Adequate 

34 

30 

65 

64 

Surplus 

-- 

-- 

-- 

CROP, LIVESTOCK, PASTURE AND RANGE CONDITION

Commodity

Current week

Previous week

Previous year

5-year average

 

(percent)

(percent)

(percent)

(percent)

Pasture and range 

    

Very poor 

23 

24 

Poor 

30 

34 

11 

16 

Fair 

37 

32 

29 

34 

Good 

10 

10 

54 

38 

Excellent 

-- 

-- 

Winter wheat 

    

Very poor 

13 

15 

14 

Poor 

21 

19 

18 

13 

Fair 

40 

39 

28 

33 

Good 

23 

24 

38 

42 

Excellent 

Livestock 

    

Very poor 

-- 

Poor 

Fair 

27 

21 

21 

19 

Good 

55 

64 

66 

71 

Excellent