Crop Progress and Condition for the Week Ending November 2, 2014.
Agricultural Summary: Warm, dry conditions were prevalent across much of Colorado last week. These conditions were optimal for harvest activities, which showed large gains from the previous week. As hard freezes occurred, standing crops in several localities throughout the southeastern district were dried to an ideal moisture content in preparation for harvesting. Precipitation was generally concentrated to localities along the Western Slope. Statewide, farmers were allowed 6.9 days in the field for operations.
Row Crops: Sixty-one percent of the corn crop has been harvested, behind 77 percent last year and 72 percent on average. Dry bean harvest activities were virtually complete by week’s end. The Colorado sorghum crop was virtually all mature while 41 percent was harvested. This is behind 56 percent harvested last year and 53 percent on average. The sugarbeet harvest was 86 percent complete, up from 68 perent a week earlier. Sunflowers were 40 percent harvested, behind 69 percent last year and the average of 65 percent.
Pasture and Range: Pasture and range conditions were rated 65 percent fair to good across the State. On average, 60 percent is fair to good. The fourth cutting of alfalfa was 93 percent complete, up from 89 percent a week earlier. On average, the fourth cutting is 86 percent complete.
Livestock: Death losses for cattle and sheep remained mostly average to light. Stored feed supplies were rated the same as the previous week at 2 percent very short, 6 percent short, 75 percent adequate, and 17 percent surplus.
