Colorado

Colorado experienced little or no moisture during the week ending May 22, and temperatures were well above average with some areas being almost 10 degrees higher than normal, according to the Colorado Agricultural Statistics Service, May 23.

Topsoil moisture supplies decreased due to the lack of moisture and high winds and are now rated at 6 percent very short, 22 percent short, 66 percent adequate, and 6 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies were down from the previous week as well and are now 14 percent very short, 41 percent short, 43 percent adequate, and 2 percent surplus. Producers had an average of 6.6 days suitable for fieldwork.

Winter Wheat reached 95 percent jointed and 98 percent headed. The crop continues to be rated in good to fair condition. Spring Wheat planting progressed to 91 percent complete and 48 percent emerged. This is behind last year and the five-year average as well.

Spring barley was 70 percent emerged and rated in mostly good condition. Sugar beet planting was complete and 51 percent of the crop is up-to-stand. The crop is rated in mostly good condition.

Dry onions continue to be rated in mostly good condition. Producers were able to make significant progress in planting summer potatoes last week and now have 65 percent complete. Forty percent of the crop is emerged and rated in mostly good condition. Fall potatoes were 60 percent planted, behind last year's 82 percent and the 5-year average of 85 percent. One percent of the crop is emerged.

Corn was 82 percent planted and 36 percent emerged by the end of the week with the crop reported in mostly good condition. Sorghum planted reached 28 percent complete and 4 percent emerged by the end of the week. Dry beans were 14 percent planted by week's end. First cutting alfalfa was 10 percent complete and rated in mostly good condition.

Pasture and range feed condition decreased slightly and are now rated at 2 percent very poor, 14 percent poor, 32 percent fair, 47 percent good, and 5 percent excellent. Cattle and sheep death losses continued below average. Stored feed supplies were rated adequate.

Date: 5/25/05

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