Agriculture overview:
Variable temperatures and high winds were observed across the state last week, according to the National Agricultural Statistics Service’s Office of Mountain Areas. According to the US Drought Monitor, 36% of the state is in drought conditions, unchanged from last week but down from 83% a year ago.9 percent of the state
Similar to last week, we have gone from severe drought conditions to exceptional drought conditions. Her 52% of the state was not in drought conditions, but the entire state was in drought conditions at this time last year. Calving and lamb delivery are going well, with some producers reportedly suffering from below-average temperatures. Northwestern counties received dampness in the highlands last week. Reporters said the drought last summer had led to a shortage of feed supplies in the area.
According to the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), USDA, snow cover in the area was 148% of the average snowfall. High winds reduced topsoil moisture last week in northeastern and eastern-central counties. A Yuma County reporter noted that the meadows are starting to green, but cold ground temperatures are preventing the meadows and winter wheat from greening.In the San Luis Valley, the water season begins his April 1st. I was.
Barley planting progressed earlier than usual in dry winds. The reporter pointed out that temperature changes are delaying soil warming and growers are beginning to prepare for planting. Conditions remained dry. Winter wheat is mainly graded from very poor to poor, and the reporter noted that drought conditions left very little dryland wheat.
50% of Baka county was in extreme drought conditions and 18% in extreme drought conditions. 85% of Plowers County was in severe to exceptional drought conditions. Strong winds were causing soil erosion in the area and dry conditions were raising fire concerns. Southwestern counties experienced cooler than average temperatures last week, according to the High Plains Regional Climate Center. Reporters from Dolores County and San Miguel County pointed out that heavy snow remains in the fields, hampering field work.
The cold and damp weather of the past week continued to negatively impact calving and calving in the region. and the lamb delivery rate was 61%, equal to the 5-year average.
As of April 2, 2023, Colorado’s snow cover was 139% of the median snowfall, according to NRCS, USDA. The Southwest and San Luis Valley had 179 percent and 137 percent, respectively. The stock feed supply was rated as 26% very deficient, 29% deficient, 44% adequate and 1% surplus. Sheep mortality was 1% severe, 67% average, and 32% mild. Cattle mortality was 3% severe, 57% average and 40% mild.
