Beneficial moisture received in some areas

Soil moisture supplies diminished due to very hot and dry conditions for the week ending June 24, although beneficial weekend moisture was received in several areas, according to USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, Mountain Regional Field Office, Colorado. Reporters in northeastern counties noted crops and livestock in areas that received moisture were doing well. A reporter noted dryland crop and rangeland conditions remained a concern for producers in areas that were drier. A reporter also noted some irrigated corn stands were uneven due to earlier dry field conditions. East central county reporters noted sporadic precipitation was received last week, but the majority of localities remained dry. Above normal temperatures and dry weather continued to deteriorate crop and pasture conditions. Some southwestern counties received much needed moisture at week’s end, with over an inch reported in areas. However, all conditions remained dire and affected by prolonged extreme drought.

Early last week, the San Juan National Forest closed due to fires, affecting livestock producers with grazing permits. In the San Luis Valley, isolated rain was received but rangeland remained stressed from prolonged dry conditions. A reporter noted the alfalfa crop looked better with harvest moving along. Potatoes were noted to be growing fast and barley was in good shape. Southeastern counties received limited moisture with isolated hail observed last week. A reporter noted regrowth on alfalfa after harvest was poor due to lack of moisture. Statewide, winter wheat was rated 51 percent good to excellent, compared with 41 percent good to excellent last year.