Small grain producers preparing for seeding

Monsoonal moisture remained scattered, with pasture green up and improved row crop conditions reported in wetter locations for the week ending Aug. 19, and continued dryness reported in others, according to USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, Mountain Regional Field Office, New Mexico. Additional rainfall is needed to pull the state out of the prolonged drought. Overall, conditions rated abnormally dry or worse remained entrenched across 100 percent of the state, compared with last year when 98.7 percent of the state was classified as drought-free. Topsoil moisture levels were reported as 30 percent adequate to surplus, compared with 26 percent last week, 80 percent last year, and a 5-year average of 47 percent. Pumpkins were being harvested in Union County, as small grain producers tended to their wheat fields in preparation for seeding. Statewide, the green chile harvest was halfway complete, with 63 percent of the crop reported in good to excellent condition. An army worm infestation was noted in Lea County following a heavier rainfall last week. Precipitation was recorded at 42 out of 46 reporting weather stations, with Raton, at 2.04 inches, reporting the largest accumulation during the week.