USDA NASS Outlines Colorado’s Agriculture Industry
The USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service provides the Colorado Crop Progress Report for the week ending August 6, 2023. (Photo: City of Greeley, Flickr/Creative Commons)
LAKEWOOD, Colorado — Agricultural Overview: An out-of-season storm swept across the state last week, bringing more than an inch of wetness to several counties, according to the U.S. Agricultural Statistics Service, USDA Mountain Area Field Office. . The U.S. Drought Monitor, released Aug. 3, found 22 percent of the state experiencing unusually dry conditions and nearly 5 percent of the state experiencing moderate drought, primarily in the San Luis Valley and western slopes, with conditions dwarfed. showed deterioration. According to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association data, some northeastern counties will receive more than 2 inches of rain, while parts of Douglas, Elbert, Lincoln, Washington, and Yuma will receive more than 4 inches of rain. piled up.
The High Plains Regional Climate Center said temperatures were above average in the southern and eastern parts of the state last week and below average in northern counties. Temperatures exceeded 90 degrees Celsius across the state. Reports from the southwest of the state indicate that conditions remain dry and precipitation is below the historical annual average in many areas. High temperatures and windy conditions in the region have reduced the yield and quality of second cut alfalfa. Massive losses of sweet corn due to earworms have been reported, and alfalfa crops have been damaged by aphids and thrips. Fires in Gunnison County had reached more than 1,800 acres by the weekend and were reportedly over 50 percent extinguished. In the San Luis Valley, last week’s warm weather allowed barley to ripen quickly and potato crops are in good shape. According to the reporter, the secondary harvesting of alfalfa is progressing rapidly, and the overall condition remains mostly good. Pasture conditions deteriorated due to lack of water, but livestock remained in good condition. Strong summer storms continued in the southeastern part of the state, delaying the completion of the winter wheat harvest. A reporter from Baka County pointed out that hot, dry winds are affecting pasture conditions. Colder than normal temperatures early in the season kept maize and sorghum progress slower than average in the region.
The second-cut alfalfa harvest progressed significantly last week, with 76 percent of the crop harvested, catching up with the five-year average. Multiple damp effects delayed the third cut of alfalfa in eastern counties, with 14% reported harvests. Statewide barley progress was strong last week, with 82% color and progress in the eastern plains and western slopes. Dried edible kidney beans flowered well last week, with 60% of the crop flowering, below the five-year average of 75%. Eighty percent of the corn crop is silk-finished, below the five-year average of 85 percent, and 10 percent of the crop is in the dough stage, well below the five-year average of 23 percent. The winter wheat harvest is winding down, with 91% of the crop harvested by the end of the week, below the previous year’s and five-year averages of 100% and 98% respectively. The stock feed supply was rated as 1% very deficient, 12% deficient, 84% adequate and 3% surplus. Cattle mortality was 1% severe, 64% average and 35% mild. Mortality in sheep was 2% severe, with an average of 95% and 3% mild.
— USDA NASS
