| ||||
|
|
Weather helps fieldwork progress, not moisture
Colorado
Colorado experienced above average temperatures through mid-week, and windy and cooler conditions prevailed across much of the state toward the end of the week ending April 18 with little or no moisture received, according to the Colorado Agricultural Statistics Service, April 19.
Topsoil moisture supplies are rated at 23 percent very short, 48 percent short, 28 percent adequate and 1 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies are rated at 50 percent very short, 33 percent short and 17 percent adequate. The sunny and dry weather allowed producers to average 5.3 days suitable for fieldwork.
The winter Wheat crop was 29 percent jointed by the end of the week, well ahead of both last year at 22 percent and the average at 25 percent. Winter Wheat condition improved slightly this week, but 58 percent of the crop remains in very poor to poor condition. Spring Wheat finished the week at 40 percent seeded, ahead of the average of 34 percent seeded. Spring Wheat was 12 percent emerged, slightly behind the average pace of 15 percent emerged. Barley was 45 percent seeded, behind both last year's pace at 48 percent and the average at 52 percent. Barley was 20 percent emerged, slightly ahead of the average at 18 percent. Corn planting began this week with 2 percent of the crop planted by the end of the week.
Sugar beet planting remains active with 65 percent of the crop planted by the end of the week, well ahead of last year's 39 percent and the average at 47 percent. Dry onions were 84 percent planted, well ahead of both last year's pace of 76 percent and the average pace of 74 percent. Summer potato planting continued with 31 percent of the crop planted, behind both last year at 35 percent and the average of 44 percent. The potato crop was 1 percent emerged.
Overall pasture and range feed condition was rated at 15 percent very poor, 31 percent poor, 41 percent fair and 13 percent good. The condition ratings are a slight improvement over last year at this time, but are still below average. The mild and dry conditions have been favorable for calving, which at 81 percent complete, was slightly ahead of the average pace as was lambing at 77 percent. Both cattle and sheep death losses have been slightly below average so far this year. Stored feed supplies were rated adequate.
Date: 4/21/04
Copyright 1995-2008. High Plains Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved. Any republishing of these pages, including electronic reproduction of the editorial archives or classified advertising, is strictly prohibited. If you have questions or comments you can reach us at High Plains Journal 1500 E. Wyatt Earp Blvd., P.O. Box 760, Dodge City, KS 67801 or call 1-800-452-7171. Email: webmaster@hpj.com
 
| |||||||||||||||||||||
