Rains improve ranges, delay harvests

New Mexico

During the week ending Aug. 20, there were 4.3 days suitable for field work, where heavy rains across the state delayed chile, corn silage and alfalfa harvest, according to the New Mexico Field Office of the National Agricultural Statistics Service, Aug. 21.

Field work was impossible in many areas. Flood damage was reported in areas, with some crop loss.

Topsoil moisture was 11 percent very short, 22 percent short, 50 percent adequate and 17 percent surplus. Wind damage was 8 percent light.

Alfalfa was reported as 5 percent very poor, 7 percent poor, 24 percent fair, 49 percent good and 15 percent excellent with 78 percent of the fourth cutting complete and 30 percent of the fifth cutting complete.

Irrigated sorghum was reported in fair to excellent with 65 percent headed, 17 percent coloring and 7 percent mature. Dry sorghum was reported in very poor to poor condition with 40 percent headed. Total sorghum condition was reported as 40 percent very poor, 20 percent poor, 18 percent fair, 17 percent good, and 5 percent excellent.

Peanuts were reported as 61 percent fair, 37 percent good and 2 percent excellent with 98 percent pegged. Pecan conditions were fair to excellent. Cotton was reported as 1 percent very poor, 2 percent poor, 30 percent fair, 43 percent good and 24 percent excellent with 98 percent setting bolls and 10 percent bolls opening. Chile condition was reported as 19 percent poor, 15 percent fair, 35 percent good and 31 percent excellent. Green chile was reported as 30 percent harvested. Onion harvest was pretty much complete for the year.

Corn condition was reported as 1 percent poor, 22 percent fair, 46 percent good, and 31 percent excellent, with 80 percent in the dough stage, 50 percent in the dent stage and 4 percent mature.

Cattle conditions were reported at 1 percent very poor, 7 percent poor, 48 percent fair, 34 percent good and 10 percent excellent. Sheep were 5 percent very poor, 9 percent poor, 46 percent fair, 35 percent good and 5 percent excellent. Ranges and pastures received more moisture this week with conditions improving to 10 percent very poor, 21 percent poor, 31 percent fair, 28 percent good and 10 percent excellent. Ranchers are enjoying the much needed rain and have been able to reduce or stop supplemental feeding. Livestock conditions and weight gains have improved rapidly as the pastures and range have improved.

Date: 8/24/06

	Web hpj.com

Copyright/Privacy
Copyright 1995-2008.  High Plains Publishers, Inc.  All rights reserved.  Any republishing of these pages, including electronic reproduction of the editorial archives or classified advertising, is strictly prohibited. If you have questions or comments you can reach us at High Plains Journal 1500 E. Wyatt Earp Blvd., P.O. Box 760, Dodge City, KS 67801 or call 1-800-452-7171. Email: webmaster@hpj.com