Rain and snow delay fieldwork and harvest (Colorado)

Rain and snowfall in several areas of the state delayed fieldwork and harvest activities for the week ending Oct. 14, according to USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, Mountain Regional Field Office, Colorado. Soil moisture supplies improved from received moisture. In northeastern and east central counties, reporters mentioned snow and rain delayed fieldwork but harvest of several crops continued as conditions allowed. Crops still to be harvested will dry down fast after the freezing temperatures last week, a reporter noted. Received moisture improved conditions for seeding winter wheat, as well as helping pasture conditions going forward. In southwestern counties, significant moisture was received that helped boost soil moisture supplies. A reporter noted the moisture was enough to help perennial grasses green up after drought-induced dormancy, but a lot more moisture is needed for further recovery. Winter wheat planting was delayed due to wet field conditions. In the San Luis Valley, little moisture was received last week and potato harvest continued to make progress. A reporter noted pasture grass was still short and producers were investigating ways to stretch their fall and winter hay supplies. In southeastern counties, a reporter noted up to 3 inches of moisture were received in areas, improving the outlook for pasture grass and fall seeded crops. Fieldwork stopped due to adverse conditions. Statewide, corn was rated 68 percent good to excellent, compared with 84 percent rated good to excellent last year.