Corn planting begins in northeastern counties

Several counties across the state received needed moisture in the form of rain and snow late in the week ending April 22, helping to replenish diminishing soil moisture supplies, according to USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, Mountain Regional Field Office, Colorado. However, areas stricken by persistent drought conditions unfortunately remained dry, particularly southern counties. Reporters in northeastern counties noted corn planting began last week and welcome moisture was received. Concerns remained for non-irrigated crop and pastureland conditions still behind on moisture thus far. In east central counties, extremely high winds were reported again last week, contributing to grave fire danger and blowing of loose soil. Moisture received late in the week helped drought-stressed winter wheat, but much more is needed going forward. Producers faced difficulty spraying fields due to consistent high winds. Southwestern counties missed out on much of the moisture and drought conditions worsened. The San Luis Valley received spotty precipitation, and high winds earlier in the week contributed to blowing soil and damaged structures. A reporter noted lower than normal water supplies reduced irrigation. In southeastern counties, high winds and fires were reported. Late week moisture was welcome and cool weather helped keep soil moisture from evaporating too quickly. As of April 23, snowpack in Colorado was 81 percent measured as percent of median snowfall, and the Southwest was at 31 percent.