Spring field work, irrigation begins
Untitled
New Mexico
There were 6.2 days suitable for field work during the week ending March 19, and farmers were busy preparing fields and irrigating, according to the New Mexico Agricultural Statistics Service, March 20.
Some producers in our eastern and south eastern counties saw between a half of an inch to an inch of rainfall, and some up north saw short lived snow. Much of the rest of the state had another dry, windy week. Topsoil moisture was 64 percent very short, 20 percent short, and 16 percent adequate. Wind damage was 38 percent light, 19 percent moderate, and 3 percent severe. Freeze damage was 2 percent light, and 10 percent moderate.
Alfalfa was 8 percent very poor, 9 percent poor, 44 percent fair, and 39 percent good. Total winter Wheat was 34 percent very poor, 38 percent poor, 27 percent fair, and 1 percent good. Only 8 percent of Wheat pastures are being grazed, compared to 13 percent last week, and 48 percent last year. Lettuce was 10 percent fair, 60 percent good, and 30 percent excellent. Chile is progressing slower than last year with 13 percent planted. Onions were 13 percent fair, 62 percent good, and 25 percent excellent.
Ranchers spent the week calving, hauling water, and supplementing feed. Cattle were reported as 3 percent very poor, 6 percent poor, 45 percent fair, 45 percent good, and 1 percent excellent. Sheep were 5 percent very poor, 10 percent poor, 70 percent fair, and 15 percent good. Range and pasture conditions were 14 percent very poor, 29 percent poor, 37 percent fair, and 20 percent good.
Date: 3/23/06
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