AGRICULTURE

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(01 - 09)

Employment change from last quarter	+12.3
Employment change from year ago	+ 6.1
Wage change from year ago	+13.6

QUARTERLY

The Agriculture industry added 3850 employees during the quarter growing 12.3%. The industry seasonally peaked with farms, lawn and garden services and landscape companies operating at full swing during the summer weather. Agriculture Services (07) incurred the largest quarterly gain up 2200 employees. Farm Labor and Landscape, Lawn & Garden, the prime components of Agriculture Services, added 936 and 887 employees, respectively. Agri Prod-Crops (01) increased by 1545 employees with much of its growth resulting from seasonal hiring for Vegetable & Melon, production. Sugar beet and potato production was also seasonally high this quarter. Another component of Agri Prod-Crops, Horticulture Specialties, reported a drop of 629 employees. This loss was seasonal following its peak in second quarter when demand for nursery products and sod is high. Agri Prod-Livestock (02) added 116 employees. Seasonal increases occurred in cattle ranches and dairy farms reported minor growth.

ANNUAL

Annually, employment in the Agriculture industry is up 6.1% having added 2021 employees. Agriculture Services (07) generated more than 75% of the industry growth up 1586. Within Agriculture Services the largest gain occurred in Lawn & Garden Services up 1157 followed by Veterinary Services up 368. Increased demand for fertilizing and mowing services and yearlong expansions in veterinary services caused the gains. Agri Prod-Livestock (02) had the second largest sector increase gaining 261 employees. Expansions in staffing of hog production facilities and dairy farms accounted for most of the increase. Agri Prod-Crops (01) added 180 employees. Expansions of business providing sod and ornamentals and in-house labor for the west slope fruit farmers generated the growth. Farmers supplemented farm labor crews this year by hiring their own help. Fishing-Hunting-Trapping (09) was the only sector to decline over the year as one of the three employers in the sector ceased doing business.

Colorado Employment and Wages (ES202) Third Quarter 1998