Crop conditions improving but additional precipitation needed

Harvest of mature crops progressed during the week ending Aug. 19 between precipitation events, according to USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, Mountain Regional Field Office, Colorado. Northeastern county reporters noted limited rain allowed producers good field access. Harvest of corn silage and hay continued. PA reporter in Morgan county noted crops and rangeland continued to show drought stress or failure in drier areas. East central counties received varying amounts of precipitation last week. Reporters noted drier areas were still in need of moisture to support maturing crops and rangeland condition. Barley harvest progressed in the San Luis Valley last week, but was hindered by isolated precipitation. Reporters noted mold or sprout damage to barley was a concern due to rain. Potato harvest also started last week and second cutting of alfalfa was winding down. In southwestern counties, limited precipitation continued to exacerbate exceptional drought conditions and rangeland fires. Southeastern county reporters noted last week was mainly dry with spotty rain showers. Crop conditions were noted to be improving with recent moisture, but some areas remained dry.