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Weather helps dry out soil moisture levels
Texas
A warmer, drier weather pattern took hold of the state during the week ending Sept. 19, and most regions experienced hotter temperatures with little precipitation, according to the Texas Agricultural Statistics Service, Sept. 20.
Soil moisture decreased across the Panhandle and other western regions. Irrigation resumed in some areas as a result. Harvest of summer crops moved forward with favorable conditions. Insects remained a problem in most regions. Cattle shipments were heavy and replacements were being purchased for winter forages.
Wheat planting moved along at a swift pace. Irrigation began in a few fields on the Panhandle. Some dryland fields in the region will need a good rain before germination.
Corn harvest was in full swing on the Panhandle as the weather cooperated. Most producers were very pleased with their yields. Combining on the Blacklands was winding down as many elevators were filled to capacity with grain.
More heat units were received on the South Plains and cotton fields progressed accordingly. Bolls were opening across the region and early fields were approaching cut out. Irrigation resumed in drier areas. Boll worms remained a problem in many locations. Harvest was getting underway on the Blacklands and Central Texas and should be in full swing within the coming weeks. A few unharvested fields remained on the Upper Coast and Coastal Bend as passing showers delayed field activity. Statewide, cotton condition was rated at 82 percent of normal compared with 51 percent last year.
Sorghum fields on the Panhandle and South Plains continued to mature with the warmer temperatures but growth was still behind normal in some locations. Harvest on the Blacklands was nearing completion. Statewide, sorghum condition was rated at 78 percent of normal compared with 57 percent last year.
Peanut digging continued on the South Plains as conditions remained favorable. Leaf spot remained a problem in many fields. Harvest will begin in South Texas within the next week or so. Statewide, peanut condition was rated at 91 percent of normal compared with 83 percent last year.
Rice harvest of the first crop was virtually complete. The ratoon crop was reported as favorable.
In East Texas, sweet potato harvest continued. In the San Antonio-Winter Garden region, cabbage made fair progress. Onion, spinach, and carrot producers continued planting preparations. In the Rio Grande Valley, the tomato crop progressed. Fall plantings were in the planning stages. Pecan harvest began in some regions. Pecan scab and hickory shuck worms were prevalent in some orchards. Growers were spraying accordingly. Overall, pecans were reported to be in good shape for this time of year.
Rangeland and pasture conditions remained in great shape. However, there were a few drier areas in the western half of the state that could use some rain. Hay baling continued across most regions as producers were getting extra cuttings than normal. Army worms were a menace in many hay fields. Cattle continued to be in excellent condition. Supplemental feeding was mostly unnecessary as forage supplies were high. Weaning of Spring calves was active. Shrimp producers on the Trans Pecos were changing marketing strategies to cope with historically low prices.
Date: 9/23/04
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