Compiled from data released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Agriculture Statistics Service for the week ending Oct. 7.

Colorado

Widespread moisture received across Colorado last week brought welcome relief to areas suffering from drought but delayed fieldwork, according to the Mountain Region Field Office of the National Agricultural Statistics Service, USDA. 

In northwestern counties, a reporter noted much needed rain was received last week that helped alleviate dry conditions, at least for the short term. In northeastern counties, a reporter said substantial rain in areas delayed winter wheat planting but created more favorable conditions for germination of wheat that was previously seeded into dry soil. 

Rain also delayed harvest activities. One reporter said producers were still waiting for corn and other crops to dry down before beginning harvest. 

Livestock producers were seeking alternative feed sources due to poor pasture conditions and continued to sell and wean calves. 

In east central counties, moisture received over the weekend aided winter wheat condition and emergence. One reporter noted corn harvest continuing around precipitation events and producers expected to start sorghum harvest soon. Southwestern counties also received beneficial moisture last week that provided short term relief, but drought conditions persisted. 

In the San Luis Valley, moisture was sporadic and potato harvest made quick progress. Third cutting alfalfa harvest was virtually complete. In southeastern counties, received moisture and heavy dew slowed harvest. In Otero County,  producer reported corn, in poor condition due to lack of adequate irrigation water during the year, was cut for silage instead of grain. Statewide, corn was rated 73 percent good to excellent, compared with 62 percent rated good to excellent last year. Stored feed supplies were rated 10 percent very short, 20 percent short, 68 percent adequate, and 2 percent surplus.

Sheep death loss was 64 percent average and 36 percent light. Cattle death loss was 3 percent heavy, 72 percent average, and 25 percent light.

Nebraska

Nebraska producers reported 3.2 days suitable for fieldwork, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. 

Topsoil moisture supplies rated 1 percent very short, 8 percent short, 76 percent adequate, and 15 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies rated 2 percent very short, 11 percent short, 78 percent adequate, and 9 percent surplus.

Field Crops BF Report: Corn condition rated 2 percent very poor, 5 percent poor, 14 percent fair, 48 percent good, and 31 percent excellent. Corn maturity was 92 percent, ahead of 81 percent last year and 82 percent for the five-year average. Corn harvested was 23 percent, ahead of 13 percent last year and 17 percent average.

Soybean condition was rated 2 percent very poor, 4 percent poor, 12 percent fair, 55 percent good, and 27 percent excellent. Soybeans dropping leaves was 96 percent, equal to last year, and near the 93 percent five-year average. Harvested was 36 percent, ahead of 22 percent at this time last year, and near the five-year average of 33 percent. 

Winter wheat planted was 87 percent, ahead of 76 percent last year, and near 85 percent average. Emerged was 60 percent, ahead of 55 percent last year, and equal to average.

Sorghum condition rated 1 percent very poor, 2 percent poor, 16 percent fair, 48 percent good, and 33 percent excellent.

Sorghum mature was 91 percent, ahead of 78 percent last year and 79 percent average. Harvested was 23 percent, near the 19 percent reported at this time last year, and ahead of 16 percent average.

Pasture and Range Report: Pasture and range conditions on the period were rated 2 percent very poor, 5 poor, 21 percent fair, 62 percent good and 10 percent excellent.

Wyoming

Wyoming experienced near normal temperatures for the week, according to the Mountain Regional Field Office of the National Agricultural Statistics Service. Sixteen of the 33 reporting stations reported less-than average temperatures for the week, 12 stations had above normal, and five stations were at normal. The high temperature of 87 degrees was recorded at Greybull and a low of 20 degrees was recorded at Old Fort Laramie. 

Above normal moisture was reported at 18 of the 34 reporting stations. Graybull was the only station reporting no moisture for the period. Evanston reported the most moisture, with 1.71 inches. A reporter from North Central Wyoming indicated the rain has helped pasture land and calves are being shipped. 

A reporter from Western Wyoming reported they had received good moisture with no flooding. A reporter from South Central Wyoming said the weather was mostly dry and warm till the end of the week, when it turned cooler and damper. They also said a large number of calves and yearlings are leaving. 

A reporter from Southeastern Wyoming indicated the weather transitioned from warm and dry to cool and moist but not enough to keep field work from being done. 

Irrigation water supply across Wyoming was rated 1 percent very short, 9 percent fair, and 90 percent good. Stock water supplies across Wyoming were rated 11 percent very short, 24 percent short, and 65 percent adequate.