Widespread precipitation in several areas of the state limited fieldwork last week, according to the Mountain Region Field Office of the National Agricultural Statistics Service, USDA. 

Crop development and emergence continued to lag behind the average due to cool temperatures.

In northwestern counties, significant snowfall was reported in the high country. A reporter mentioned subsequent irrigation supplies should remain strong. Rangeland grass was in need of warmer weather to promote growth.

In northeastern counties, dryland crops and rangeland benefitted from varying amounts of moisture. A reporter mentioned conditions were ideal for wheat grain fill, but more heat units were needed to bring winter wheat to maturity. Rain and cool temperatures last week slowed crop development and hindered alfalfa hay harvest.

East central county reporters also noted significant precipitation and cool temperatures delayed fieldwork and kept crop growth behind. A reporter in Adams County noted low levels of wheat stripe rust were found.

In the San Luis Valley, scattered moisture was reported last week along with isolated hail. First cutting of alfalfa was progressing well. A reporter mentioned conditions were outstanding for barley stooling and the crop was rated in mostly good to excellent condition. Potato emergence and development remained behind, with plants still emerging in late-planted fields. Reporters noted nighttime temperatures dropped near or below freezing last week. Livestock were reportedly in good condition and being moved to mountain pastures.

In southeastern counties, damaging hail was reported on Saturday and producers were assessing crop conditions. A reporter noted more rain was received last week with up to 4 inches reported in one locality. Alfalfa hay condition was noted as poor due to unfavorable timing of moisture during harvest. A reporter noted oats were being cut for forage last week.

Statewide, stored feed supplies were rated 6 percent very short, 27 percent short, 60 percent adequate, and 7 percent surplus.

Sheep death loss was 1 percent heavy, 86 percent average, and 13 percent light.

Cattle death loss was 1 percent heavy, 92 percent average, and 7 percent light.