Employment levels in Agriculture were typically seasonal falling in January, rising slightly in February, jumping in March, yet, overall, lower than last quarter. Employment dropped by 3058 or 12.4% from the previous quarter. Agriculture Services (07) experienced the largest sector decline dropping by 1932 employees. This sector, which covers lawn and garden maintenance and farm labor, is highly dependent upon fair weather and the growing season and commonly declines during the winter. Agri Prod-Crops (01), also seasonally impacted, dropped 1073 employees. Low season for vegetables, melon and potato production and General Crop Farms (019) occurs during this time frame. Agri Prod-Livestock (02) dropped 56 employees. Losses were spread over a number of businesses dealing with cattle production. Within Agri Prod-Livestock about 225 workers were reclassified for SIC purposes from General Livestock Farms (029) to Hog Farms (0213).
ANNUAL
Agriculture added 1290 employees over the year growing 6.4%. Agriculture Services (07) with better than half of the industry employment generated better than 70% of the annual growth adding 933. Staff expansions by existing firms and the entrance of new businesses to the arena of lawn and garden services generated the bulk of the growth adding 564 to Landscape & Horticulture Services (078). Veterinary Services (074) also classified within Agriculture Services has been reporting gains and is up 294 employees from last year first quarter. Agri Prod-Livestock (02) experienced the second largest sector increase adding 209 employees. Growth occurred primarily in Livestock Except Dairy & Poultry (021) followed by Dairy Farms (024). Agri Prod-Crops (01) added 144 employees. About 50 employees were added to each of the following subsectors: Cash Grains (011), Vegetables & Melons (016) and Horticulture Specialties (018).
1996 SIC CHANGES
Due to reclassification the Agriculture industry gained approximately 45 employees and $242,673 in quarterly payroll.
Colorado Employment and Wages (ES202) First Quarter 1997
![[]](901e02a4.gif){kind=small}
![[]](90000211.gif){kind=small}
![[]](90000269.gif){kind=small}