Row crop harvest behind normal (New Mexico)

Above average precipitation, virtually statewide, limited fieldwork in some areas and boosted soil moisture levels which was encouraging as more of the recently sown winter wheat crop emerged during the week ending Oct. 28, according to USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, Mountain Regional Field Office, New Mexico. Topsoil moisture levels were reported as 71 percent adequate to surplus, compared with 64 percent last week, 82 percent last year, and a 5-year average of 49 percent. With the exception of sorghum, row crop harvesting was behind normal. Precipitation was recorded at all 46 reporting weather stations, with Mountainair, at 2.46 inches, reporting the largest accumulation during the week. There were 26 additional weather stations that reported precipitation totals at or above one inch during the week. Average temperatures ranged from 3 degrees below to 4 degrees above normal. Daytime highs varied from 62 degrees at Los Alamos to 81 degrees at Hachita. Overnight lows ranged from 19 degrees at Angel Fire to 48 degrees at Truth or Consequences. Pecan nut set was reported as 10 percent light, 65 percent moderate, and 25 percent heavy. Hail damage in all crops was reported as 1 percent light, 1 percent moderate, and 1 percent severe. Wind damage in all crops was reported as 4 percent light and 4 percent moderate.