Albuquerque Daily Citizen

WEEKLY CROP BULLETIN

The following report is furnished by the United States department of Agriculture, climate and crop bulletin of the weather bureau, New Mexico section:

Generally dry and unusually warm weather characterized the week ending August 1. The absence of rain is beginning to be felt in some districts, especially on the gardens, but as a rule irrigating ditches still have a fair supply of water and there is little complaint of crops in general suffering. In some southern localities, where the recent heavy rains washed out the ditches and crops are at present obliged to depend on rainfall for their moisture, some harm may result unless more rain comes soon. Notwithstanding the lack of rain, reports as a rule indicate that the week has been a good one for growing crops. The fine weather has permitted harvesting to be carried on without interruption. Winter wheat is about all in, and in northern sections spring wheat will soon be ready for the sickle. Both the quality and quantity of the wheat is very satisfactory. The second cutting of alfalfa is about all secured in excellent condition, and the third crop in many localities is coming on rapidly. Corn continues promising, but in some districts the hot, sunshiny weather has badly shriveled and curled the blades. Some of the earliest corn has roasting ears, and the crop in general is in tassel. Most of the rye and oats have been harvested, and secured in very good condition. Early potatoes, peas, beans, etc., are turning out very satisfactorily, and are plentiful in the markets. In the southern part of the territory tomatoes and early melons are in the local markets. Reports indicate that the promising sugar beet crop continues in excellent condition. The fruit prospects continue promising. The larger tree fruits, as peaches and apricots, are coming into the markets of northern localities. Early grapes are ripe in southern counties. It is expected that grapes while not so large a yield as usual will be of a finer quality. The ranges continue in good condition, and all reports state that stock is in excellent condition.

The following detailed remarks are extracted from the reports of correspondents:

Aztec—C. E. Mead—A very dry and warm week, and farms without water in their ditches have suffered considerably. Spring wheat is beginning to ripen; some corn has roasting ears upon it. Winter wheat, oats and rye are ripe and some have harvested. Second crop of alfalfa now being cut. Potatoes, beans, peas, etc., are plentiful. Highest temperature, 95 on the 23d and 26th. Rainfall, traces.

Bernalillo—Brother Gabriel—Very dry; no rain since the 17th; nevertheless irrigation ditches have a fair amount of water. Gardens are suffering from the drought. Corn growing finely: in some places from six to eight feet high. The second crop of alfalfa is all cut, and the yield very satisfactory. Wheat is harvested. Vineyards and orchards are looking well. Highest temperature, 98 on 24th, 27th and 28th. No rain.

Bluewater—J. S. Van Dorn—A good growing week notwithstanding the absence of rain. The nights were warm and corn made a fine growth. Outside ranges promise good hay. Highest temperature, 99, on the 29th.

Eddy—L. O. Fulkerson—Little rain the past week; crops are not suffering for water, however. First home-grown grapes are on the market. Beets are growing finely and are very promising. Other crops are very satisfactory. Range is good and stock in fine condition.

Mesilla Park—Cayetano Thompson—Generally clear weather this week, and on account of the scarcity of water have suffered some. Early grapes are ripening; also some varieties of early tomatoes and melons are on the market. The weather has been unusually warm. Grasshoppers continue to do some damage. Highest temperature, 102, on the 28th. Rainfall, 0.29.

Ojo Caliente—A. Joseph—Very favorable weather for harvesting; wheat yields about the average. Corn continues promising. There is good grass on the ranges, and stock generally is in excellent condition. Highest temperature, 92, on the 27th. No rain.

Old Albuquerque—A. Montoya, Jr.—Exceedingly warm and no rain during the week. Wheat harvest is nearly over the yield is above the average—both in quantity and quality. Corn is in tassel. The third crop of alfalfa is about twelve inches high. Home grown cantaloupes in the market.

Santa Fe—U. S. Weather Bureau—The bright sunshine with the absence of rains has proved somewhat injurious to growing crops, especially to corn fields which have little or no irrigation. Many of these fields are badly scorched. The shower of the afternoon of the 1st will be very beneficial. Garden vegetables and fruits have ripened rapidly: fine early peaches and apricots are in the market. Highest temperature, 89, on the 28th. Rainfall (exclusive of Monday), trace.

R. M. HARDINGE,
Section Director.