A spring snowstorm brought needed moisture to areas of the state last week, according to the Mountain Region Field Office of the National Agricultural Statistics Service, USDA.

In northeastern and east central counties, received moisture benefitted rangeland conditions and winter wheat. Reports noted calving and lambing was adversely affected by storm conditions.

In the San Luis Valley, minimal moisture was received and conditions remained dry. Barley planting and spring tillage continued in limited fashion. Producers noted the ground was still frozen in areas.

Southeastern counties received isolated rain last week. Reports noted high winds continued to deplete soil moisture supplies. Rangeland and non-irrigated crop conditions declined in areas that have consistently gone without moisture. Alfalfa growth started to pick up and some irrigation canals began delivering water.

As of March 20, 2020, snowpack in Colorado was 107 percent measured as percent of median snowfall. The Southwest and San Luis Valley were 98 and 99 percent, respectively.

Stored feed supplies were rated 2 percent very short, 9 percent short, 72 percent adequate, and 17 percent surplus.

Sheep death loss was 2 percent heavy, 56 percent average, and 42 percent light.

Cattle death loss was 2 percent heavy, 79 percent average, and 19 percent light.