Third quarter of each year typically reflects the height of employment in the Agriculture industry due to favorable weather and good growing conditions. Third quarter of 1997 was no exception with employment up 3669 over last quarter for an all time high of 33,245 Agriculture workers. Growth was 12.4% over last quarter. Agriculture Services (07) the largest component of the industry realized the largest employment gain up 1887. Seasonal hiring of farm labor for crop cultivation and harvesting comprised almost 900 of the gain. About 600 employees were added over the quarter for lawn and garden service. Agri Prod-Crops (01) incurred the second largest gain adding 1628 employees with a mix of subsector activity. Nursery products (018) dropped by about 600 as the high season for this category is in second quarter during the planting season. Vegetable & Melon production (016) added almost 1500 and Field Crops (013) which contains potato and sugar beet farms added about 450.
ANNUAL
Employment in the Agriculture industry expanded 4.0% over a year ago adding 1264. The largest growing sector was Agriculture Services (07) which increased by 951 employees. Sector gains were centered in lawn & garden services up almost 1100 due to increased demand from the burgeoning Colorado populous. Veterinary Services (074) up steadily over the year added 333. A decrease of 640 employees occurred in farm labor over a year ago due to less demand and fewer working during the week of the 12th in August of 1997. Agri Prod-Livestock (02) was the second largest growing Agriculture sector increasing by 403 employees. Though increases were primarily derived from expansions in hog production, dairy farms added about 50 over the year. Prod-Crops (01) declined by 93 employees. Decreased seasonal labor in Vegetables & Melons along with a poor peach crop on the western slope during the summer of 1997 contributed to the decline.
Colorado Employment and Wages (ES202) Third Quarter 1997
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