Heavy rain delays fieldwork

Planting activities kept pace with the average for the week ending May 27 amidst mixed weather, including above normal temperatures and isolated thunderstorms in areas, according to USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, Mountain Regional Field Office, Colorado. Northeastern counties received locally heavy rain that delayed fieldwork slightly. Reporter comments noted pasture and dryland crop conditions continued to improve from received moisture and that several producers were able to finish planting corn last week. In east central counties, scattered moisture and locally severe weather was reported. A reporter noted some producers sprayed for Russian wheat aphid last week. Another comment noted pasture conditions declined where no moisture was received. Southwestern county reporters noted producers continued to sell off livestock in response to dire drought conditions. A reporter mentioned moisture from isolated storms helped improve topsoil moisture, but was not enough to improve overall crop or rangeland conditions. In the San Luis Valley, potato planting was nearing completion. A reporter noted the alfalfa crop was very uneven in places with fields continuing to be evaluated for replacement. Hay supplies were noted to be short and difficult to find. Some areas received a little moisture early last week. Southeastern counties saw some measurable precipitation last week, but reporters noted conditions remained dry and spring crops were not emerging without irrigation.