Another primarily dry week allowed corn and sorghum harvest to conclude in most areas, according to the Mountain Region Field Office of the National Agricultural Statistics Service, USDA.

According to the United States Drought Monitor for November 15, over 48 percent of the State was categorized in moderate drought or worse, up almost 2 percent from the previous week. Over 23 percent of the State is experiencing severe to exceptional drought conditions, up minimally from last week. The exceptional drought conditions noted across portions of Phillips and Sedgwick Counties remain unchanged from last week, accounting for less than one percent of the State.

Statewide, soil moisture supplies declined, despite snow received across much of the State last week. Areas of the foothills received up to 11 inches of snow, while the eastern plains received around an inch of snowfall.

Cooler than average temperatures were seen across most of the State, with most of the State experiencing temperatures more than ten degrees below average. The average maximum temperature didn’t get above 50 degrees and lows in the teens and single digits were seen across the State.

Sunflower harvest is wrapping up in eastern Colorado, but still trails the previous year’s harvest pace of 92 percent complete.

Snow received in the San Luis Valley put a good cover on the valley floor that will likely last through the winter. Cattle have returned from summer pastures and the sale of calves has begun.

Corn for grain harvest is almost complete, with 95 percent of the crop harvested, behind the previous year at 97 percent but ahead of the 5-year average of 93 percent.

Livestock remained in mostly good condition, although recent cold conditions have deteriorated livestock conditions slightly. Stored feed supplies were rated 28 percent very short, 28 percent short, 41 percent adequate, and 3 percent surplus.

Sheep death loss was 77 percent average and 23 percent light.

Cattle death loss was 75 percent average and 25 percent light.