AGRICULTURE

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(01 - 09)

Employment change from last quarter	-13.3
Employment change from year ago	+ 8.3
Wage change from year ago	+13.3

QUARTERLY

Employment in the Agriculture industry fell by 3778 employees for a loss of 13.3% over the previous quarter. Declines were anticipated as the weather moved into winter and the growing season came to a halt. Agriculture Services (07) the largest sector of the Agriculture industry suffered the largest loss dropping by 2271 employees. The seasonal shut down of lawn and garden services and fertilizing companies led the decline, down more than 1800 employees. Some seasonal losses occurred in farm labor and crop preparation with each dropping by a little over 200 employees. Agri Prod-Crops (01) lost 1235 employees. Half of the loss occurred in Vegetables & Melons due to the end of the harvest and processing season.
Field Crops fell by over 250 with losses reflecting the seasonal decline following the potato harvest. Employment in Agri Prod-Livestock (02) dropped by 268. Most of the loss resulted from seasonal declines in cattle ranches. Forestry (08) and Fishing-Hunting-Trapping remained virtually unchanged.
ANNUAL

The Agriculture industry experienced an increase of 8.3% over a year ago adding 1879 employees. Growth in Agriculture Services (07) generated more than 85% of the increased industry employment reflecting a gain of 1648. Surging populations, subsequent home developments and increased demand for lawn & garden assistance contributed to growth in this sector adding 1243. Veterinary Services incurred the second largest gain within the sector adding 342 and expanding slowly over the year. Agri Prod-Crops (02) added 190 over the year. Vegetables & Melons and Field Crops, specifically potatoes, each added around 60 employees. An exceptionally healthy growing season in 1998 coupled with the hiring of help as opposed to the use of farm crew leaders added employment to this sector. Agri Prod-Livestock (02) rose by 39 employees. A decline of 45 employees in Poultry & Egg production caused by cutbacks and a gain of 78 in Dairy Farms due to the introduction of two dairy farms were the predominate activity.

1998 SIC CHANGES

Due to reclassification the Agriculture industry gained approximately 28 employees and lost $489,711 in quarterly payroll.

Colorado Employment and Wages (ES202) First Quarter 1999