Agriculture overview:

Sporadic precipitation brought beneficial moisture to northeastern and southeastern counties, while the western half of the state remained largely dry, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Mountain Area Field Office. Several northeastern counties received more than 2 inches of rain, and parts of Phillips and Yuma counties received more than 3 inches of rain, according to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association data.US drought
A monitor released on June 29 showed drought conditions continuing to improve in Phillips, Sedgwick and Yuma counties after above-average rainfall. About 2% of the state reported being unusually dry, down from 3% last week and down from 13% a year ago. For the first time since July 2019, more than 98% of him in the state is free from drought.

Colder than average temperatures swept across the state last week, with temperatures above average only in the central and southern parts of the state, according to the High Plains Regional Climate Center. Reporters in Yuma and Washington counties commented that some areas had experienced heavy hail following recent storms. Reports from the San Luis Valley indicate that pastures have benefited greatly from recent dampness and are in good condition. Drought conditions continue to improve in Baka county, with 75 percent of the county considered to be unusually dry.

The first cut alfalfa continues to be well below the five-year average, and the second cut has started as well.dried edible
Kidney bean planting is nearly complete, with 97 percent of the crop planted. Sorghum crop plantings in the eastern part of the state continued to be below the previous year’s average, with 92% of the crop planted compared to 94% last year and a five-year average of 96%. In the San Luis Valley, potato sprouting progressed significantly last week at 76%, but remained below the five-year average of 97%. Proso millet planting was below the previous year’s and five-year averages, with 73 percent of the planted area below the five-year average of 94 percent.

Statewide, 56% of the winter wheat crop was reported to be in good or good condition. That compares with 61% last week, 17% last year, and a five-year average of 46%. East-central Colorado, which produces the largest portion of the winter wheat crop, performed generally fair to good. The stock feed supply was rated as 6% very deficient, 25% deficient, 67% adequate and 2% surplus. Cattle mortality was 1% severe, 45% average and 54% mild. Sheep mortality averaged 75% and mild 25%.