Drought conditions intensify

Despite some measurable moisture in isolated locations during the week ending May 6, drought conditions intensified, forcing livestock producers to continue feeding supplements and hauling water to their cattle, according to USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, Mountain Regional Field Office, New Mexico. The United States Drought Monitor released on May 3 showed that exceptional drought (D4) had expanded to cover 10.6 percent of the state. Conditions rated abnormally dry or worse continued to blanket 99.9 percent of New Mexico. Overall, topsoil moisture levels were reported as 15 percent adequate to surplus, compared with 10 percent last week, 45 percent last year, and a 5-year average of 33 percent. Pasture and range condition was reported as 6 percent good to excellent, compared with 7 percent last week, 27 percent last year, and a 5-year average of 22 percent. Spring fieldwork was ongoing, with row crops being planted as conditions allowed. The lack of snowpack in the northwest left irrigation water in short supply, with some producers noted to be out of water. Precipitation was recorded at 15 out of 43 reporting weather stations. The largest moisture accumulation was reported at Navajo Whiskey Creek, where 0.70 inch fell. Average temperatures ranged from 11 degrees below to 6 degrees above normal. Freeze damage in all crops was reported as 2 percent light and 2 percent moderate, compared with 5 percent light and 1 percent moderate last week. There was no hail damage reported. Wind damage in all crops was reported as 30 percent light, 21 percent moderate, and 3 percent severe, compared with 30 percent light, 20 percent moderate, and 3 percent severe last week.