What’s Happening With Colorado Crops?

USDA published the latest Crop Progress report on Monday, Aug. 4. Here’s a closer look at recent weather and the status of Colorado’s most important crops in early August.

Weather

In Monday’s Crop Progress report, USDA said farmers had 6.4 days suitable for fieldwork the week that ended Aug. 3, compared to 6.5 days this time last year.

USDA rated Colorado topsoil moisture 10% very short, 22% short, 59% adequate, and 9% surplus. Subsoil moisture conditions in the state were rated 10% very short, 21% short, 58% adequate, and 11% surplus.

Corn

Acreage Estimates

According to the June 30 Acreage report, Colorado farmers planted 1.6 million acres of corn in 2025. This is up from 1.46 million acres the previous year, said USDA.

Silking Progress

USDA reported that 47% of Colorado’s corn crop has reached the silk growth stage. That is far behind the five-year average of 75%. Last year at this time 69% of the state’s corn had reached the silk growth stage.

Planting was delayed this year, and snowpack was less than average. As of April 6, snowpack in Colorado was 89% measured as percent of median snowfall according to the Natural Resources Conservations Service. The southwest and San Luis Valley were 70% and 64% respectively.

Corn Dough

The latest Crop Progress report said 10% of Colorado’s corn crop has reached the dough stage. That is behind than the five-year average of 15%. Last year at this time 9% of the state’s corn had reached the dough stage.

Corn Dented

None of the state’s corn has dented, though the five-year average at this time of year is only 1%. 

Corn Condition

USDA rated Colorado corn 9% very poor, 8% poor, 9% fair, 70% good, and 4% excellent for the week that ended Aug. 3.

This is behind to the national average rating, which is 2% very poor, 5% poor, 20% fair, 53% good, and 20% excellent.

Sorghum

Acreage Estimates

In June, the USDA Acreage Report said Colorado planted 550,000 acres of sorghum, up 520,000 acres from last year. 

Sorghum Headed

USDA reported 40% of Colorado sorghum is headed, compared to 36% last year. That is ahead of the five-year average of 39%.

Sorghum Coloring

No sorghum coloring was reported, though last year at this time 2% had colored. The five-year average is also 2%. 

Sorghum Condition

USDA rated Colorado sorghum 1% very poor, 1% poor, 22% fair, 71% good, and 5% excellent for the week that ended Aug. 3. 

The six-state average rating of 2% very poor, 6% poor, 26% fair, 48% good, and 18% excellent over the same time period.

Winter Wheat

Acreage Estimates

USDA’s acreage report said Colorado farmers planted 2.1 million acres of wheat in 2025. That is level with acres planted from last year.

Winter Wheat Harvested

USDA noted 96% of winter wheat has been harvested in Colorado, on par with the five-year average. Last year at this time 98% of Colorado winter wheat had harvested.

Colorado Wheat shared in its July 24 harvest report that Lincoln County yields range 20–55 bushels per acre, with an average test weight of 60 pounds per bushel. The average protein around 12%.

Adams and Arapahoe counties are averaging test weight around 60 pounds per bushel, and the average protein is around 11.5%.

Washington, Morgan, and Logan counties have an average test weight around 60 pounds per bushel, and the average protein is around 12%. Yields range 35–65 bushels per acre.

Yuma, Phillips, and Sedgwick counties have an average test weight around 60 pounds per bushel, and the average protein is around 12%.

Western Weld and Eastern Larimer counties have an average test weight of 61.5 pounds per bushel, and the average protein is 12.5%.

Pasture and Range

USDA rated pasture and range conditions in the state 1% very poor, 18% poor, 23% fair, 45% good, and 13% excellent.