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Rain helps, hinders areas across state
Texas
The last week of Spring brought severe storms for some, while others were drying out from heavy rain the previous week, according to the Texas Agricultural Statistics Service, June 21.
Soil moisture remained favorable in most areas, however some areas of the High Plains were still in need of more rain to fill the soil profile. Central and eastern areas needed dry, open weather after a couple weeks of excess precipitation. Planting of remaining summer crops was expected to wind down shortly, and small grain harvest was progressing swiftly. An increase of insect pressure was noticed through most regions.
Wheat harvest continued at a fast pace on the Plains. Some combining was delayed due to wet conditions. A few fields on the Low Rolling Plains through north central Texas reported head sprouting due to excessive rain the past couple weeks. Some of those fields could be unharvestable. Yield reports varied greatly county by county; some reported the best in years, while others reported below average. Statewide, Wheat condition was rated at 59 percent of normal compared with 49 percent last year.
Corn was in excellent condition statewide. Crop progress was fast and furious on the Plains as earlier planted fields were beginning to tassel. Irrigation was heavy in dry areas. Mites and grasshoppers were prevalent in fields in the region. Corn on the Blacklands benefitted from the increased soil moisture as the crop has tasseled and many fields were at dough stage. Another rain would be helpful to Coastal Bend producers to finish off their crop before harvest. Statewide, corn condition was rated at 90 percent of normal compared with 57 percent last year.
Plains cotton continued to benefit from warm, open weather and the occasional shower. Fields a little further south near the Permian Basin were beginning to suffer from drought like conditions as some plants were not expected to emerge without rain. Irrigation began where available. Thrips were a problem in some fields. A majority of the crop in the region had begun to square. Growers in the Blacklands saw rapid growth as plants were nearing boll set. Herbicide and pesticide applications were heavy and some producers were applying growth regulators. Cotton on the Coastal Bend could use a little rain in the drier locations. Statewide, cotton condition was rated at 71 percent of normal compared with 54 percent last year.
Planting of sorghum continued on the Plains as insurance deadlines drew closer. Some dryland fields will not planted until rain occurs. Fields in the Blacklands and Central Texas were responding well to the increased moisture the past couple of weeks. Coastal Bend sorghum was maturing rapidly, and combining should begin within the next few weeks. Producers were preparing for harvest in the Rio Grande Valley. Midge was prevalent in many regions throughout the state and growers were spraying accordingly. Statewide, sorghum condition was rated at 79 percent of normal compared with 67 percent last year.
Peanut fields on the Plains were reported as generally favorable, but shorter stands had thrip problems. Planting neared completion in the Trans-Pecos and south Texas with some fields emerging. Statewide, peanut condition was rated at 83 percent of normal compared with 83 percent last year. Rice: Statewide, rice condition was rated at 87 percent of normal, compared to 92 last year.
Pecan orchards were in generally favorable condition. Watering continued in drier areas. Some hail damage was reported to pecan trees on the Trans-Pecos. In the San Antonio-Winter Garden, watermelon, cantaloupe, and potato harvest was ongoing. On the High Plains, pumpkins have been planted and were developing well. On the Trans-Pecos, chiles were blooming. Melons were progressing and potato harvest was ongoing. Grapes were anticipated to do very well as harvest was set for next month. In East Texas, watermelon harvest was in full swing. Fungicides were being applied where necessary.
Range and pastures remained in good condition as supplemental feeding of cattle was necessary in only the most driest locations. Increased moisture in many areas should spur decent growth of forage going into the summer months. Cattlemen had no complaints about herd condition. Sheep shearing and goat and lamb marking were active. White shrimp season on the Trans-Pecos was progressing.
Date: 6/24/04
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