WSP02582

• File Number: 8220.115.J
• Description: Florida Project
• State: CO
• Basin: San Juan/Dolores
• Water Division: 7
• Date: 8/1/1959
• Author: USDA
• Title: Florida Project Colorado - A Report of Reappraisal of Direct Agricultural Benefits and Project Impacts
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Report/Study

Farm Sizes

Present size of farm operating units surveyed are somewhat larger than en-
countered in most irrigated areaS of the Upper Colorado River Basin. Irri-
gated acreage of farms surveyed averaged about 150 acres per farm. The
sample did not include small farms.

The projected average farm size is based on a family-size farm concept in
which the operator and his family furnish all the lBhor except during the
crop harvesting season. Present sizes, current trends in size of farms,
legal limitation of 160 acres of irrigable land per farm ownership, pros-
pective farm incomes, and other factors were considered in establishing
projected farm sizes.

There are 5,730 acres of arable nonirrigated land in evaluation areas A,
B, and C suitBhle for irrigation. Of this area, 2,380 acres lie in small,
scattered tracts on existing farms and are projected to be developed in
conjunction with land already under irrigation. The remaining 3,350 acres
of arable nonirrigated land lie in contiguous tracts and will provide an
opportuni ty for the establishment of new farms.

Anticipated Crop Yields

Projected crop yields estimated for evaluation areas, without and with the
pr'oject, are shown in table 12. Production estimates are based on crop
yields obtained in comparable areas, estimates by project farmers and
agricultural technicians familiar with the area, and other pertinent crop
yield data. Yields reflect estimates of average managerial skill for
farmers on the project.

TBhle 12.- Projected crop yields without and with project, by evaluation areas,
Florida project

.
.

:

Crop :Unit:

:

ITon 2.5 1.4 ,
Alfalfa i 2.8 2.0 3.5 1.7 3.1 2.0 2.7 2.5 2.7
Rot. pas . y :AUM 5.6 4.0 7.0 5.0 3.4 6.2 4.0 2.8 5.4 5.0 5.4
Corn silage :Ton 10.0 ---- 13.0 8.0 ---- 11.0 ---- ---- ---- 9.0 10.0
Barley Bu. 50.0 43.0 5,.0 46.0 40.0 50.0 42.0 37.0 45.0 47.0 47.0
Perm. past. AUM 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0

!/ Fertilizer, without project: Annual rate for evaluation areas Al, Bl,
and Cl alfalfa, 10 pounds available P2D5 or equivalent manure per acre; 1'0-
tation'pasture, 10 pounds available P205 and 10 pounds N or equivalent manure
per acre. Total P~5 required applied at time of seeding. Nitrogen applied
annually. Fertilizer rates for evaluation area D will be the same as in the
wi th situation.

Fertilizer, with project: Annual rate; alfalfa, 20 pounds availBhle P~5
or equivalent manure per acre; rotation pasture, 20 pounds availBhle PZO~
and 20 pounds N or equivalent manure per acre. Total P~5 required applied
at time of seeding. Nitrogen applied biennially.
- 25 -