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Production
Estimates and Crop Assessment Division |
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Production
Estimates and Crop Assessment Division |
June 26, 2002
Drought extends through much of the southern plains, with the poorest conditions toward the west. Crops are in worse condition than at this time a year ago.
Colorado is experiencing the worst drought in many years, resulting in very poor crop conditions. The dry weather has contributed to the worst wild fires historically in the state. In the San Luis Valley, in south central Colorado, where almost all of the crops are irrigated, conditions are about the same as last year.
Extreme drought prevails throughout both states. Data from satellite imagery shows that rangeland and forest are much less vigorous than last year as the result of very dry conditions. In a normal year, thunderstorms develop every afternoon as part of a "summer monsoon," providing much needed water for crops. This has not occurred this year. Fire season started earlier than normal and are much worse than usual.
Satellite derived data show much less vigorous growth this year than last, affecting both winter and summer crops. The Farm Services Agency has declared 31 counties as "disaster" areas.
Crop development is far behind last year's level. Conditions in South Dakota declined rapidly in June. North Dakota received too much rain in the Red River Valley, where the highest wheat producing counties are.
Crop conditions improved here in June because of beneficial rainfall which helped the winter wheat crop and helped spring wheat get a good start.
Washington is enjoying a good year after two bad years because of well-timed rainfall.
The southern San Joaquin Valley and further south is in worse condition than in recent years because of dryness.
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