New Mexico

There were 6.5 days suitable for fieldwork, during the week ending April 17, and during that week topsoil moisture was 2 percent very short, 30 percent short, 65 percent adequate, and 3 percent surplus, according to the New Mexico Agricultural Statistics Service, April 18.

Wind damage was 14 percent light, 15 percent moderate, and 2 percent severe. Freeze damage was 3 percent light and 9 percent moderate and 1 percent severe.

Farmers were busy with land preparation, planting chile and corn, and irrigating. Alfalfa conditions were reported as 1 percent poor, 35 percent fair, 43 percent good and 21 percent excellent with the first cutting at 51 percent. Cotton progress was 28 percent planted and corn was 12 percent planted. Total Wheat condition was reported as 22 percent fair, 77 percent good, and 1 percent excellent with 13 percent being grazed.

Lettuce condition was 5 percent fair, 43 percent good and 52 percent excellent. Chile condition was 51 percent fair and 41 percent good and 8 percent excellent with 77 percent planted. Onion condition was 13 percent fair, 62 percent good and 25 percent excellent.

Cattle conditions were 1 percent very poor, 2 percent poor, 29 percent fair, 52 percent good, and 16 percent excellent. Sheep were reported as 3 percent very poor, 4 percent poor, 44 percent fair, 40 percent good, and 9 percent excellent. Range and pasture conditions were 2 percent very poor, 14 percent poor, 45 percent fair, 38 percent good and 1 percent excellent. Ranchers were busy maintaining herds and water.

Date: 4/21/05