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Wet fields keep farmers idle
Texas
Throughout the week ending May 2, isolated showers occurred across different areas of the state, while a warming and drying trend briefly followed these showers, allowing producers in some areas to continue with fieldwork and planting according to the Texas Agricultural Statistics Service, May 3.
In some of the wettest areas of South and East Texas, saturated fields kept activities from taking place. Later in the week, a cold front brought more storms, accompanied by strong winds and some hail. As much as 5 inches of rain fell in some eastern and southern areas. Coastal Bend areas experienced more flooding as fields were still saturated from rains one week earlier. Some crops were still standing in water. In the Plains, cooler weather decreased soil temperatures, causing many producers to wait before planting.
Development of recently planted crops was also affected by the cooler weather. Haying and baling continued in the Plains and other areas where conditions allowed. Alfalfa cutting continued to make progress. Cattle continued to graze Wheat pastures not cut for hay or intended for grain. Condition of livestock was good throughout the state as pastures were providing good forage. Stock tanks in many areas were full from recent rains, though some parts of the state still needed more rainfall. Some grasshoppers have been reported in north-central areas.
Wheat acreage intended for grain was in fair to good condition across the state. More reports of disease and damage from hail and freeze were noted. In the Plains, more acreage was approaching the heading stage. Some areas could still use a rain to help with the grain filling stage. Some producers continued to cut Wheat for hay or silage. In eastern areas, Wheat was negatively affected by the rains. Cattle continued to graze on small grains. Acreage in southern areas was nearing maturity and harvest. Statewide, Wheat condition was rated at 67 percent of normal compared with 49 percent last year.
Planted corn in the Plains was experiencing slow emergence. In some central areas, some yellowing was occurring from too much moisture. Side dressing was underway. Despite some adverse conditions, most of the planted corn acreage made good progress with many areas having excellent looking stands. Some acreage was being treated for weeds. Statewide, corn condition was rated at 87 percent of normal compared with 75 percent last year.
Many cotton producers in the Plains were still waiting for soil temperatures to improve before planting. Planting was expected to begin in earnest the first week of May. In other areas, planting was expected to resume as conditions allow. Planted areas receiving moisture allowed stands to break through softer ground. Some fields in coastal areas were still underwater from heavy rains.
Sorghum fields were making good progress in most areas, except for areas where flooding has caused problems. Planted sorghum in the Rio Grande Valley was beginning to head and was making excellent progress. Statewide, sorghum condition was rated at 87 percent of normal compared with 79 percent last year.
Peanut planting was expected to gain momentum in the next few days in areas of the Southern Plains. Rice producers were waiting for conditions to improve to finish planting. Statewide, rice condition was rated at 89 percent of normal compared with 86 percent last year.
Zinc application continued for pecans and casebearer moth scouting was taking place as egg laying is expected soon. Most of the Pecan acreage was seeing the benefit of ample rainfall across the state. In the Rio Grande Valley, onions were seeing some disease problems and some fields were threatened by standing water. Harvest continued for onions, citrus, sugarcane, cabbage and carrots. Melon harvest preparations continued, but were delayed by rains. In the San Antonio-Winter Garden, Watermelons were in excellent condition. Onion harvest was approaching and cabbage harvest continued. In the Trans-Pecos region,conditions were good for developing onions, melons and pecans. Chile fields were all planted.
Pastures continued to do well from rains across the state. Livestock remain in good condition as supplemental feeding was at a minimum. In the Plains area, more rainfall could benefit rangeland and pastures. Cattle conditions seem to be on the rise in most areas. In East Texas, cattle were treated for flies. Foaling and breeding of horses was underway. Spring calving continued, and working of cattle and branding was still active. Stock pond levels continued to improve with rainfall received during the week.
Date: 5/6/04
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