Corn and sorghum in mostly good condition but more moisture needed

Monsoonal storms delivered at or below average temperatures for the week ending July 15, but more so, some much-needed moisture to many locations during the week, according to USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, Mountain Regional Field Office, New Mexico. Topsoil moisture levels were reported as 23 percent adequate to surplus, compared with 20 percent last week, 44 percent last year, and a 5-year average of 33 percent. Reports from the northwest indicated that despite some rainfall, drought conditions remained, and hay production had suffered. In Union County, corn and sorghum were reported in mostly good condition, although more moisture was needed to sustain growth. The recent rainfall has benefited pastures in Grant and Luna counties, with some growth seen; however, moderate to extreme drought persisted across the area. The onion harvest in Dona Ana County has stalled somewhat due to wet fields and high humidity. Moreover, reports of chile and corn production losses were reported, although producers were planning to take their crops to harvest. Precipitation was recorded at 44 out of 46 reporting weather stations, with Redrock, at 4.11 inches, reporting the largest accumulation during the week. Capulin was a close second, with 3.72 inches reported. In addition, 10 other weather stations across the state reported moisture totals at or above an inch. Average temperatures ranged from 11 degrees below to 4 degrees above normal. Daytime highs varied from 69 degrees at Cloudcroft to 98 degrees at Tucumcari. Overnight lows ranged from 37 degrees at Angel Fire 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 1 percent light, 1 percent moderate, and 1 percent severe last week. Wind damage in all crops was reported as 5 percent light and 5 percent moderate, compared with 7 percent light and 8 percent moderate last week.