New Mexico

There were 5.2 days suitable for field work, during the week ending Aug. 21, and farmers were busy harvesting and due to the amount of rain received, some were able to shut down irrigation wells.

Topsoil moisture was 13 percent very short, 33 percent short, 44 percent adequate and 10 percent surplus. Wind damage was 9 percent light, 10 percent moderate and 3 percent severe.

Irrigated corn looks good and should have an excellent yield if the current weather continues. Alfalfa was in fair to excellent condition with 81 percent of the fourth cutting complete and 25 percent of the fifth cutting complete. Last week's alfalfa estimate has been revised down to 20 percent of the fifth cutting complete. Cotton was in mostly fair to excellent condition with 85 percent setting bolls and 13 percent bolls opening. Corn was in mostly fair to excellent condition with 79 percent doughed and 8 percent dented. Sorghum was 74 percent headed and condition was 25 percent poor, 39 percent fair, 35 percent good and 1 percent excellent. Peanuts were in fair to excellent condition. Lettuce was in fair to excellent condition and was 70 percent planted. Chile was 33 percent harvested and was in mostly fair to excellent condition. Apples were in fair to good condition. Pecans were in fair to excellent condition.

Native rangeland continues to improve and some stock tanks received runoff from rains. Some ranchers began to market their calves early to give pastures and mother cows a break. Cattle was reported as 3 percent poor, 30 percent fair, 58 percent good and 9 percent excellent. Sheep were 7 percent very poor, 16 percent poor, 37 percent fair, 31 percent good and 9 percent excellent. Range and pasture was reported as 5 percent very poor, 19 percent poor, 49 percent fair, 25 percent good and 2 percent excellent.

Date: 8/25/05