Colorado

Most parts of the state experienced below normal temperatures during the week ending March 19, and during that week, moisture levels were above normal for the entire state except the West Slope, according to the Colorado Agricultural Statistics Service, March 21.

As a result topsoil moisture supplies increased and are now rated at 11 percent very short, 33 percent short, and 56 percent adequate. Subsoil moisture supplies also increased and are currently rated at 19 percent very short, 40 percent short, 36 percent adequate and 5 percent surplus. The moisture increase limited producers to an average of 4.1 days suitable for fieldwork.

Winter Wheat acreage being pastured was 13 percent of planted compared with 5 percent at this time last year and 8 percent on average. Winter wheat's condition was rated mostly good to fair. Spring barley was 13 percent planted, behind last year's average of 18 percent but ahead of the five-year average of 11 percent. Dry onions were 12 percent planted by week's end, well behind last year's 24 percent and the average of 18 percent.

Overall pasture and range feed condition increased to 2 percent very poor, 20 percent poor, 50 percent fair, 25 percent good, and 3 percent excellent. Cows calved were at 50 percent complete which is slightly ahead of last year and the five-year average of 48 and 47 percent respectively. Lambing was at 33 percent complete compared to 38 percent for last year and the average. Death loss for cattle and sheep are rated below average on the year. Stored feed supplies were rated slightly above adequate.

Date: 3/23/05