QUARTERLY With the approach of winter Agriculture employment seasonally declined from third quarter, down 19.8% displacing 7719. All sectors within the industry lost employment. Agriculture Services (07) took the largest fall dropping by 4715 employees. Decreased demand for lawn and garden services caused a cutback of 3681 employees. As harvest season ended farm labor use subsided causing an employment drop of 1126. Agri Prod-Crops (01) reported the second largest sector decline dropping by 2875 employees. As expected all subsectors lost employment. The largest subsector loss occurred in Vegetables & Melons down 1179 employees. Horticulture Specialties, which covers the production of nursery products and ornamental plants, encountered the second largest loss down 581. Some December seasonal gains for spring production were not realized. Employment in Agri Prod-Livestock (02) fell by 114. Cattle ranching drew most of the loss, down 139, due to seasonal cutbacks as herds were moved closer to home. New laws governing hog farming caused a farm closure and contributed to the loss of 57. Cattle feedlots added 65 offsetting some subsector losses. ANNUAL Employment in the Agriculture industry slowed to its lowest level in four years gaining only 1032 employees for a growth rate of 3.4%. Some seasonal cutbacks that would normally be reflected in first quarter took place in fourth quarter due to the early cold weather, causing growth to appear diminished. Agriculture Services (07) expanded by 1367 employees. Increased population and demand for lawn and garden services generated most of the growth adding 1002 employees. Services to pets and other animals grew by 562 employees. Farm Labor fell by 129 employees and Crop Services fell by 79. Reduced hiring coupled with an early end of season caused the losses in both of these areas. Agri Prod-Crops (01) lost 348 employees over a year ago. Almost half of the loss occurred in Horticulture Specialties down 148. Vegetables & Melons declined by 112. The only subsector to increase was Fruit & Tree Nuts, specifically Deciduous Tree Fruits, which added 47 due to a good peach crop. Agri Prod-Livestock (02) rose by 19 employees with Dairy Farms reporting the strongest growth. Fishing Hunting Trapping (09) and Forestry (08) experienced minor changes with losses of 4 and 2, respectively.
Colorado Employment and Wages (ES202) Fourth Quarter 2000
