Minimal moisture and windy conditions were observed throughout the state, according to the Mountain Region Field Office of the National Agricultural Statistics Service, USDA.
According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, 92 percent of the state is under drought conditions. Fifty-seven percent of the state is experiencing severe to exceptional drought conditions, with 6 percent facing exceptional drought conditions.
Calving and lambing progressed ahead of the previous year. Northeastern counties remain dry, with most of the district in a severe drought. Concerns remained regarding lack of consistent moisture up to this week.
East central counties have received good moisture, benefiting winter wheat and soil moisture ahead of spring planting, but subsoil levels are still short.
In the San Luis Valley, limited fieldwork began around winter weather events. Producers noted it’s too early to begin planting with current soil conditions and temperatures.
In southeastern counties, conditions remain very dry despite some recent moisture events. In southwestern counties, topsoil moisture was rejuvenated from recent snow, but crop and pasture conditions still reflect the water shortage.
As of March 13, 2022, snowpack in Colorado was 98 percent measured as percent of median snowfall. The Southwest and San Luis Valley were 105 and 98 percent, respectively.
CROP AND LIVESTOCK PROGRESS
Commodity
Current week
Previous report
Previous year
5-year average
(percent)
(percent)
(percent)
(percent)
Winter wheat
Pastured
5
NA
9
NA
Cattle and calves
Cows calved
41
17
NA
NA
Sheep and lambs
Ewes lambed
36
10
NA
NA
DAYS SUITABLE FOR FIELDWORK AND SOIL MOISTURE CONDITION
Current week
Previous report
Previous year
5-year average
Days suitable for fieldwork
2.8
NA
5.3
NA
Topsoil moisture
(percent)
(percent)
(percent)
(percent)
Very short
18
26
25
NA
Short
38
39
31
NA
Adequate
43
34
44
NA
Surplus
1
1
—
NA
Subsoil moisture
Very short
26
32
32
NA
Short
45
32
42
NA
Adequate
29
36
26
NA
Surplus
—
—
—
NA
CROP, LIVESTOCK, PASTURE AND RANGE CONDITION
Commodity
Current week
Previous report
Previous year
5-year average
(percent)
(percent)
(percent)
(percent)
Pasture and range
Very poor
19
4
27
NA
Poor
25
17
30
NA
Fair
40
47
31
NA
Good
13
23
11
NA
Excellent
3
9
1
NA
Winter wheat
Very poor
15
17
19
NA
Poor
25
23
17
NA
Fair
42
39
39
NA
Good
18
20
22
NA
Excellent
—
1
3
NA
Livestock
Very poor
1
—
3
NA
Poor
7
7
9
NA
Fair
18
18
34
NA
Good
66
64
48
NA
Excellent
8
11
6
NA
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Ag stats: Colorado crop progress and condition report – week ending March 13, 2022 – Kiowa County Press
