CROP SUMMARY FOR THE WEEK ENDING AUGUST 28, 2005

NEW MEXICO:There were 6.3 days suitable for field work. Topsoil moisture was 10% very short, 36% short, 53% adequate and 1% surplus. Wind damage was 8% light, 18% moderate and 1% severe. Hail damage was 1% light. Farmers were busy harvesting green chile, corn silage, carrots and alfalfa. Alfalfa was in mostly fair to excellent condition with 85% of the fourth cutting complete and 33% of the fifth cutting complete. Cotton was in mostly fair to excellent condition with 88% setting bolls and 16% bolls opening. Corn was in fair to excellent condition with 92% doughed, 53% dented and 11% mature. Corn silage was 27% harvested. Sorghum was 89% headed, 10% colored and 3% mature with conditions at 20% poor, 44% fair, 35% good and 1% excellent . Peanuts were in fair to excellent condition. Lettuce was in fair to excellent condition and was 80% planted. Chile was 39% harvested and was in mostly fair to excellent condition. Apples were 25% very poor, 27% poor, 13% fair and 35% good. Pecans were in fair to excellent condition. Rangeland has improved with the rainfall received this week and cattle and sheep are looking good. Cattle was reported as 4% poor, 21% fair, 55% good and 20% excellent. Sheep were 4% very poor, 6% poor, 20% fair, 51% good and 19% excellent. Range and pasture was reported as 3% very poor, 18% poor, 35% fair, 39% good and 5% excellent.

WEATHER SUMMARY
 
 

Hit and miss thunderstorms produced measurable rainfall at most locations last week, although the northwest corner of New Mexico was dry. Alamogordo (2.35") and Los Alamos (2.31") both measured over two inches, while other locations in the southeast picked up 1 to 2 inches. Temperatures for the week were close to normal statewide. Silver City has quit reporting rainfall and that data should not be used.