Poor pasture conditions keep ranchers feeding cattle

New Mexico

There were 6.8 days suitable for field work during the week ending March 30, according to the National Agricultural Statistics Service, New Mexico Field Office, March 31.

Topsoil moisture was 44 percent very short, 37 percent short, 18 percent adequate and 1 percent surplus. Wind damage was 20 percent light, 14 percent moderate and 3 percent severe. Freeze damage was 14 percent light and 3 percent moderate. Farmers continued to prepare fields, plant crops and irrigate fields.

Alfalfa was reported as 3 percent poor, 38 percent fair, 34 percent good and 25 percent excellent. Irrigated winter wheat was reported as 6 percent poor, 25 percent fair, 65 percent good, and 4 percent excellent, with 45 percent being reported as grazed. Dry winter wheat was reported as 25 percent very poor, 68 percent poor, and 7 percent fair, with 10 percent being reported as grazed. Total winter wheat was reported as 15 percent very poor, 43 percent poor, 14 percent fair, 26 percent good, and 2 percent excellent, with 24 percent being reported as grazed.

Onions were reported as 5 percent fair, 90 percent good and 5 percent excellent. Lettuce was reported as 5 percent fair, 85 percent good and 10 percent excellent. Chile was reported as 3 percent poor, 87 percent fair, and 10 percent good with 45 percent reported as planted.

Cattle conditions were reported as 1 percent very poor, 24 percent poor, 40 percent fair, 33 percent good and 2 percent excellent. Sheep conditions were reported as 9 percent very poor, 31 percent poor, 38 percent fair and 22 percent good. Range and pasture conditions were reported as 14 percent very poor, 40 percent poor, 35 percent fair and 11 percent good. Livestock producers have been busy supplemental feeding due to dry rangelands, as well as continuing to help with calving.

4/7/08
5 Star OK\3-B

Date: 4/3/08

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