Pasture and rangeland condition as well as winter wheat condition deteriorated last week amidst more dry weather, according to the Mountain Region Field Office of the National Agricultural Statistics Service, USDA. Soil moisture supplies also degraded, with topsoil moisture rated 52 percent very short to short and subsoil moisture rated 43 percent very short to short, compared to 9 percent and 12 percent rated very short to short last year, respectively.

Northeastern counties received isolated but beneficial moisture and experienced cooler temperatures. Some fieldwork was delayed due to prior received moisture, but spring planting continued where conditions allowed. Lack of heat units was a concern for growth of seeded corn. Planting of non-irrigated corn was noted as slow.

A few east central counties received isolated moisture but the rest remained dry. High winds were observed. A report in Kiowa county noted that dry weather and high winds further hurt the winter wheat crop, including acreage thus far that had been better off.

In the San Luis Valley, potato planting advanced very quickly and planting of barley was nearly complete. A report noted that prior freezing temperatures hurt the barley in areas and some acreage was being replanted. No moisture was received last week and drought conditions worsened, but overall the weather was ideal for most irrigated crop growth. The alfalfa crop was noted as a couple weeks behind.

Southeastern counties received no moisture last week and experienced high winds. Reports indicated that livestock producers were selling off stock and feed supplies were notably short. No received moisture and limited irrigation water supplies meant crop producers were uncertain whether current conditions were conducive to planting their planned crops.

According to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor report, some southern counties were experiencing extreme drought (D3), a decline of one category from the prior week.

As of May 11, 2020, snowpack in Colorado was 69 percent measured as percent of median snowfall. The Southwest and San Luis Valley were 39 percent and 27 percent, respectively.

Stored feed supplies were rated 4 percent very short, 17 percent short, 78 percent adequate, and 1 percent surplus.

Sheep death loss was 42 percent average and 58 percent light.

Cattle death loss was 72 percent average and 28 percent light.