Harvest activities continued to advance across the State last week where conditions allowed and precipitation was mostly limited to western counties, according to the Mountain Region Field Office of the National Agricultural Statistics Service, USDA.

According to the U.S. Drought Monitor for October 18, just over 43 percent of the State was categorized in moderate drought or worse, unchanged from the previous week. Over 14 percent of the State is experiencing severe to exceptional drought conditions, up slightly 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.

Limited moisture was received across the State last week, but western counties reported significant snowfall at higher elevations.

Above average temperatures across the State were observed early in the week before cold and freezing temperatures moved in over the weekend.

Sunflower harvest picked up last week in eastern Colorado and was nearly complete in southwestern counties.

Potato harvest in the San Luis Valley was nearly complete by week’s end. Reporters noted freezing temperatures stopped potato harvest and remaining alfalfa growth. Livestock producers in the area were bringing stock home from summer pasture and beginning to wean calves.

Fourth cutting of alfalfa advanced last week across the State and was just behind the 5-year average of 73 percent.

Statewide, emergence of the 2023 winter wheat crop was 65 percent complete, compared with last year at 67 percent and the 5-year average of 72 percent.

Corn for grain harvest continued to progress, but still fell short of the previous year at 56 percent and the 5-year average of 46 percent.

Livestock remained in mostly good condition.

Stored feed supplies were rated 9 percent very short, 29 percent short, 56 percent adequate, and 6 percent surplus.

Sheep death loss was 86 percent average and 14 percent light.

Cattle death loss was 3 percent heavy, 75 percent average, and 22 percent light.