Soil moisture levels still short

There were 6.9 days suitable for field work during the week ending April 16, and farmers spent the week irrigating, fertilizing, and cultivating, according to the New Mexico Agricultural Statistics Service, April 17.

Topsoil moisture was 74 percent very short, 20 percent short, and 6 percent adequate. Wind damage was 32 percent light and 7 percent moderate. More grass fires were reported with Guadalupe county losing approximately 6,000 acres. Alfalfa was reported as 14 percent poor, 29 percent fair, 29 percent good, and 28 percent excellent. The 1st alfalfa cutting was 13 percent complete. Total winter Wheat conditions were 55 percent very poor, 12 percent poor, 28 percent fair, and 5 percent good. Wheat pastures used for grazing increased to 17 percent. Cotton was 12 percent planted and corn was 2 percent planted. Lettuce, onions, and chile were all in fair to excellent condition. Most of our chile has been planted, with 93 percent complete.

Ranchers continue to feed livestock and fight loco weed. Cattle were reported as 2 percent very poor, 28 percent poor, 38 percent fair, 31 percent good, and 1 percent excellent. Sheep were 15 percent very poor, 25 percent poor, 47 percent fair, and 13 percent good. Range conditions were listed as 30 percent very poor, 33 percent poor, 25 percent fair, and 12 percent good.

Date: 4/20/06

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