Row crops in good condition

Cooler daytime highs coupled with a bump in rainfall were welcomed across much of New Mexico during the week ending July 8, although the unusually dry conditions entrenched in most areas maintained their stronghold, according to USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, Mountain Regional Field Office, New Mexico. Topsoil moisture levels were reported as 20 percent adequate to surplus, compared with 15 percent last week, 55 percent last year, and a 5-year average of 35 percent. Reports from areas that have received multiple downpours over the past month suggested that row crops appeared to be in good condition, and were growing well under the warm temperatures. The state’s onion harvest was winding down, with progress slightly behind last year but ahead of normal. Comments from Union County noted that more wheat hay was harvested this year when compared with the past few years. Additionally, CRP acreage in Union County was opened for emergency grazing. Precipitation was recorded at 36 out of 45 reporting weather stations, with Clayton, at 2.62 inches, reporting the largest accumulation during the week. Las Vegas was a close second, with 2.52 inches reported. In addition, Capulin, Cloudcroft, and Taos also reported moisture totals over an inch. Average temperatures ranged from 7 degrees below to 6 degrees above normal. Daytime highs varied from 78 degrees at Los Alamos to 103 degrees at Carlsbad. Overnight lows ranged from 29 degrees at El Vado Dam to 69 degrees at Carlsbad. Hail damage in all crops was reported as 1 percent light, 1 percent moderate, and 1 percent severe, compared with 3 percent light, 1 percent moderate, and 1 percent severe last week. Wind damage in all crops was reported as 7 percent light and 8 percent moderate, compared with 8 percent light and 16 percent moderate last week.