Colorado

Colorado experienced rain early in the week ending June 19 with warming conditions towards latter part of the week, according to the Colorado Agricultural Statistics Service, June 20.

The recent moisture improved pasture conditions as reported by the eastern part of the state. However, the increase in recent rains have caused problems for alfalfa and Wheat harvesters. Temperatures were recorded at or above average for the week. Topsoil moisture supplies are rated at 5 percent very short, 18 percent short, 73 percent adequate, and 4 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies were slightly lower and are now 13 percent very short, 33 percent short, 50 percent adequate, and 4 percent surplus. Producers had an average of 5.8 days suitable for fieldwork.

Winter Wheat was 50 percent turning color and 4 percent ripe by the end of the week. The crop is now rated in fair to good condition. Spring Wheat emerged was 98 percent complete with 32 percent headed and 2 percent of the crop turning color. Spring Wheat is rated in good to fair condition. Spring barley was 100 percent emerged and 36 percent headed by week's end which is behind last year's crop and the five-year average. However, the crop is rated in mostly good to fair condition.

Sugarbeets were 99 percent up-to-stand and rated in mostly good condition. Dry onions continue to be rated in mostly good condition. Summer potatoes were 96 percent planted and 80 percent emerged. The crop is rated in good to excellent condition. Fall potatoes were 73 percent emerged by week's end with the crop being rated in mostly good to fair condition.

Corn was 100 percent emerged with the crop rated in good to excellent condition. Sorghum planted reached 83 percent complete and 57 percent emerged and is rated in mostly good to excellent condition. Dry beans were 90 percent planted and 43 percent emerged by week's end with the crop being rated in mostly good condition. First cutting alfalfa was 68 percent complete while the second cutting is currently at 1 percent with the crop rated in mostly good condition. Sunflowers were 77 percent planted by the end of the week.

Overall, pasture and range feed conditions have improved with the warming weather. Pasture and range conditions are now rated at 2 percent very poor, 8 percent poor, 30 percent fair, 49 percent good, and 11 percent excellent. Cattle and sheep death losses continue to be rated below average.

Date: 6/21/05

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