Spring planting progress made significant gains last week, according to the Mountain Region Field Office of the National Agricultural Statistics Service, USDA.

Northeastern counties received isolated moisture and warmer temperatures allowed fieldwork to progress. Reports noted corn and sugar beet planting actively began in several localities last week. Livestock producers began to turn stock out to summer pasture, but concerns were present regarding overall lack of soil moisture.

East central counties also received precipitation last week, but reported temperatures were very warm. Warm weather and dry conditions overall were concerning for winter wheat and rangeland conditions.

In western slope counties, fruit growers were still assessing the extent of damage to crops due to a late hard freeze experienced April 13.

The San Luis Valley received scattered moisture last week, but conditions remained dry. Conditions were favorable for fieldwork and planting of potatoes was in full swing. Barley planting continued and emergence was noted as good thus far. Producers also started running their irrigation sprinklers.

In southeastern counties, some localities received isolated but welcome moisture. Corn planting began but ground temperatures were still notably cold. Irrigation water supplies were reduced due to prior early watering of fields to help boost soil moisture. Rangeland conditions continued to deteriorate, and livestock producers were still providing winter feed since grass growth is limited. Feed supplies shortened and producers were considering selling stock. Moisture is desperately needed in the area going forward.

According to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor report, all southern counties in Colorado were experiencing severe drought (D2). As of April 24, 2020, snowpack in Colorado was 106 percent measured as percent of median snowfall. The Southwest and San Luis Valley were 91 percent and 76 percent, respectively.

Stored feed supplies were rated 2 percent very short, 12 percent short, 79 percent adequate, and 7 percent surplus.

Sheep death loss was 48 percent average and 52 percent light.

Cattle death loss was 74 percent average and 26 percent light.