Producers harvest remaining crops (NM)

For the week ending Nov. 25 abnormally cool temperatures blanketed much of the state for a second week, while below average precipitation levels allowed producers ample time to harvest row crops that remained in their fields, according to USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, Mountain Regional Field Office, New Mexico. In Union County, strong winds damaged some of the corn crop that had yet to be harvested.

Topsoil moisture levels were reported as 62 percent adequate to surplus, compared with 69 percent last week, and 44 percent last year. Precipitation was recorded at just 9 of the 46 reporting weather stations, with Navajo Whiskey Creek, at 0.55 inches, reporting the largest accumulation during the week. Average temperatures ranged from 7 degrees below to 2 degrees above normal. Daytime highs varied from 44 degrees at Angel Fire to 72 degrees at Roswell. Overnight lows ranged from 1 degree at El Vado Dam to 31 degrees at Santa Teresa.

Pecan nut set was reported as 2 percent light, 48 percent moderate, and 50 percent heavy. Freeze damage in all crops was reported at 20 percent light, 10 percent moderate, and 5 percent severe. No hail damage was reported. Wind damage in all crops was reported as 4 percent light and 5 percent moderate.