Agriculture employment gained 3670 employees over the previous quarter expanding by 10.4%. Increases were typical for this peak time in the growing season. Agriculture Services (07) reported the largest quarterly gain up by 2268 employees. Landscape & Horticulture Services had the largest subsector gain rising by 912. Increases resulted from seasonal demand for lawn and garden planning, planting, fertilizing and maintenance, lawn mowing service and tree care. The second largest subsector gain occurred in Farm Labor & Management Services up 846 employees due to crew activity for harvesting. In comparison though, this quarter’s figures are about half of what they were a year ago. Decreased registration of crew leaders along with an early harvest due to hot weather and some late season hail may have contributed to the lower figures. Animal services expanded adding 290 as demand for veterinarian, boarding and grooming services increased. Agri Prod-Crops (01) added 1299 over last quarter. The production and harvesting of Vegetables & Melons used 1028 employees and potato farming 364. Employment in Agri Prod-Livestock (02) increased by 102. Growth occurred primarily as a result of seasonal staffing for cattle ranches.
ANNUAL
Annual growth in Agriculture, which had been in the 6% range, slipped to 4.2% adding 1565 employees. The largest increasing sector over the year was Agriculture Services (07) up 1079 employees. Strong demand for lawn and garden services cultivated by a burgeoning state population added 1262 to this category. Increasing services to pets and animals added another 591 to the sector. Employment in Crop Services declined by 281, as did employment supplied by crew leaders down 496. Reduced hiring for crop services and by crew leaders caused lower than usual gains within the Agriculture Services sector. Agri Prod-Crops (01) expanded by 445 employees. Fruit & Tree Nuts increased by 241 due to a good peach production season. Last year’s season was hurt by a late frost. Field Crops added 228 due in part to a strong alfalfa harvest. A hot summer and early harvest caused this year’s employment in Vegetable & Melon to peak early causing an annual drop of 153. Agri Prod-Livestock (02) grew by 30 over a year ago. Employment declines of 60 in hog production were offset by gains in beef cattle up 90. Forestry (08) and Fishing Hunting Trapping (09) employment changes were minimal growing by 8 and 2, respectively.
Colorado Employment and Wages (ES202) Third Quarter 2000
