Warmer and drier conditions helped advance planting progress and crop emergence last week, according to the Mountain Region Field Office of the National Agricultural Statistics Service, USDA. However, lack of moisture was a primary concern in areas that have not benefited from recent moisture.

In northwestern counties, a reporter noted alfalfa condition declined due to pressure from pocket gophers in fields.

In northeastern counties, isolated severe weather and damaging hail was reported. While planting and emergence picked up, dry field conditions and uneven emergence were noted in areas where moisture was absent. Some producers delayed planting in anticipation of more moisture. Lack of moisture and effect on rangeland was also a concern.

East central county reporters noted mid-week heat exacerbated locally dry areas. Concerns regarding inadequate moisture for winter wheat and rangeland grass growth were noted.

In the San Luis Valley, fall potato planting advanced and barley planting was virtually finished. A reporter noted potato emergence was slowed by cold soil temperatures. A reporter noted barley was doing well but growers had issues applying fertilizer around adverse weather.

In southeastern counties, reporters noted crop conditions declined due to warm, windy weather. Moisture was greatly needed to maintain winter wheat condition. Alfalfa weevil pressure in non-irrigated fields was noted with some producers spraying to mitigate.

As of May 20, 2019, snowpack in Colorado was 186 percent measured as percent of median snowfall. The Southwest and San Luis Valley were 294 and 247 percent, respectively.

Stored feed supplies were rated 6 percent very short, 20 percent short, 72 percent adequate, and 2 percent surplus.

Sheep death loss was 86 percent average and 14 percent light.

Cattle death loss was 3 percent heavy, 87 percent average, and 10 percent light.