Mostly warm and dry weather last week helped push crop development with emergence and growth picking up for several crops, according to the Mountain Region Field Office of the National Agricultural Statistics Service, USDA.

In northeastern counties, needed moisture was received late last week. However, high winds continued to deplete topsoil moisture supplies. County reports noted some sugar beet acreage was replanted due to prior damage from wind. Failed acreage of winter wheat was also noted in areas, along with spotty corn emergence due to field crusting and cold temperatures.

East central counties received good moisture in some areas last week while others remained dry. Areas that received moisture reported short-term relief from drought conditions. Heavy concerns remained in dry areas for rangeland grass production and condition of non-irrigated crops.

In the San Luis Valley, another dry week was reported. Potato planting advanced quickly and was wrapping up for some producers. Reports noted while livestock were in mostly good condition, rangeland growth remained limited due to no moisture. Availability of early grazing was reduced.

In southeastern counties, severe weather produced isolated hail and heavy rain in areas. High winds were also reported and irrigation water supplies remained low. Corn that had emerged was reportedly in good condition. County reports noted some corn producers were not able to seed some acreage to corn due to continued dry conditions and low irrigation water supplies from diminished snowpack.

As of May 22, 2020, snowpack in Colorado was 62 percent measured as percent of median snowfall. The Southwest and San Luis Valley were 19 percent and 2 percent, respectively.

Drought remained a concern in southern Colorado, with extreme (D3) drought continuing to expand in parts of the state.

Stored feed supplies were rated 5 percent very short, 18 percent short, 75 percent adequate, and 2 percent surplus.

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

Cattle death loss was 64 percent average and 36 percent light.