Crop progress delayed by low temperatures (New Mexico)

Sub-freezing overnight lows across much of the state for the week ending Nov. 11, with trace amounts of moisture in isolated locations, resulted in slightly delayed crop progress but helped with the days suitable for fieldwork, 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 77 percent last week, 70 percent last year, and a 5-year average of 50 percent. Precipitation was recorded at only 19 of the 46 reporting weather stations, with Tucumcari, at 0.23 inches, reporting the largest accumulation during the week. Average temperatures ranged from 8 degrees below to 4 degrees above normal. Pecan nut set was reported as 57 percent moderate and 43 percent heavy. Freeze damage in all crops was reported at 20 percent light, 14 percent moderate, and 2 percent severe. 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 3 percent light and 4 percent moderate.