Harvest progresses rapidly for most crops (New Mexico)

Precipitation was scarce and average temperatures were varied for the week ending Sept. 30, which promoted rapid advancement of harvest progress for most crops during the week, according to USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, Mountain Regional Field Office, New Mexico. Overall, conditions rated abnormally dry or worse were entrenched across 99.6 percent of the state, unchanged from last week. Topsoil moisture levels were reported as 57 percent adequate to surplus, compared with 53 percent last week, 88 percent last year, and a 5-year average of 54 percent. The state’s red chile harvest began during the week, although progress was well behind normal. Comments from Dona Ana County indicated that the recently planted lettuce crop had emerged, with plants approximately 2 inches tall. Precipitation was recorded at 26 of the 46 reporting weather stations, with Portales, at 0.90 inches, reporting the largest accumulation during the week. Average temperatures ranged from 4 degrees below to 9 degrees above normal. Daytime highs varied from 71 degrees at Los Alamos to 97 degrees at Carlsbad. Overnight lows ranged from 18 degrees at Angel Fire to 57 degrees at Truth or Consequences. Widespread frost was noted in Mora County. Pecan nut set was reported as 25 percent light, 60 percent moderate, and 15 percent heavy.