New Mexico

During the week ending March 19 there were four days suitable for fieldwork, according to the New Mexico Agricultural Statistics Service, March 21.

Topsoil moisture was 2 percent very short, 8 percent short, 74 percent adequate, and 16 percent surplus. Wind damage was 16 percent light, 13 percent moderate, and 1 percent severe. Freeze damage was 16 percent light, 21 percent moderate, and 6 percent severe. Damage to fruit trees and reports of calf loss due to the storm early in the week were received.

Farm and ranch activities, slowed by the winter storm, included ground preparation. Spring planting in some areas has been delayed due to high soil moisture.

Alfalfa conditions were reported as 1 percent poor, 30 percent fair, 48 percent good and 21 percent excellent, with some reports of aphids and mustard weed. Total Wheat condition was reported as 1 percent poor, 8 percent fair, 77 percent good, and 14 percent excellent with 75 percent being grazed.

Lettuce condition was in 24 percent fair and 76 percent good condition with 43 percent of the crop planted. Onions were in 100 percent good condition with 90 percent of the crop planted.

Cattle conditions were 2 percent poor, 41 percent fair, 46 percent good, and 11 percent excellent. Sheep were reported as 2 percent very poor, 3 percent poor, 43 percent fair, 47 percent good, and 5 percent excellent.

Range and pasture conditions were 2 percent very poor, 11 percent poor, 40 percent fair, 43 percent good and 4 percent excellent with reports stating the snow moisture received in mid-March will provide good moisture for spring growth of pastures.

Date: 3/24/05