Texas

Weather conditions were generally more stable most of the week ending April 17, and a few areas received additional moisture early, however these were mostly minimal amounts and farming operations were only on hold for a short time, according to the Texas Agricultural Statistics Service, April 18.

Sunshine and warmer temperatures along with plenty of wind was present and residents saw a return to unstable conditions across most regions of the state. Most areas of the Plains experienced a round of severe weather with widespread hail and some localized flooding. Land preparation moved ahead in all areas along with fertilization and pre-plant herbicide applications. Weed treatments were also active in various locations, depending on wind speeds in the area. Pre-watering was active in many locations as planting will begin soon. Pasture green-up was ongoing in all areas, however moisture is needed in most areas as sustained winds have dried out surface profiles and stress was apparent in many locations. Supplemental feeding remained necessary in a few areas, however decline continued as spring grasses continued to emerge. A few areas remained relatively dry and moisture stress was slowing development of pastures and earlier planted crops.

Wheat and oats continued to show signs of growth and development, however dry surface profiles have slowed further progress. Weed control, fungicide and insect control treatments were active in many locations when conditions allowed. Rust and insect pressure was severe in some locations and many producers continued to bale instead of waiting for thrashing. Statewide, Wheat condition was rated at 75 percent of normal, compared with 65 percent last year.

Soil preparation for corn planting remained active in many areas, however some soils were in need of further drying while others were extremely dry due to high winds. Planting was active and emergence remained mostly acceptable. Soil insect problems were noted in a few locations. Statewide, corn condition was rated at 86 percent of normal, compared with 85 percent last year.

Cotton land preparation including herbicide applications remained active in many areas as weather permitted. Planting moved ahead in areas where soil temperatures were acceptable. Emergence of earlier planted cotton was mostly acceptable in all reporting areas.

Sorghum land preparation and planting remained active in southern and central locations. Land preparation was stalled at times in a few areas of the Plains due to high wind speeds. Emergence of earlier planted sorghum was mostly acceptable, although some hail and wind damage was reported.

Preparation for peanut planting was active in many locations across the state. High winds continued to cause some damage in some locations around the state. Several producers have received contracts and planting will begin soon.

Soybeans tillage and planting was active in some locations, however weather conditions caused minor delays from time to time in a few areas.

In the Rio Grande Valley, harvest of greens, cabbage, carrots, onions and some citrus continued. Rain was needed in some locations as later planted crops were showing signs of moisture stress. In the San Antonio-Winter Garden, land preparation was active in most areas. Rainfall was needed in some locations. Spinach and cabbage harvest was active throughout the week. In East Texas, land preparation was active, however heavy rainfall in a few areas slowed progress and drying out will be necessary before farming can continue. Planting moved ahead in dry areas and preparations for sweet potato planting remained active. In the High Plains, land preparation was active during the week as conditions allowed. High winds caused some delays and rain delayed activities. In the Trans Pecos, land preparation remained active in most locations. Growth and development of spring onions continued. Cotton planting continued and baling alfalfa was active in a few locations.

Pecan bud break continued as conditions improved across the state. Irrigation continued in a few orchards and zinc applications were active in some locations. Pecan nut case bearer traps were placed for monitoring in some southern and central areas.

Most peach pruning has been completed and producers are waiting to see if lack of chill hours will impact their production later in the season.

Improvement in range and pastures continued, however soil surface moisture was short in many areas and continued improvement was slow. Sprigging and seeding of grasses remained active in many areas. Fertilization was active in a few locations as conditions allowed. Growth and development in alfalfa fields remained satisfactory and baling the first cutting was active. Planting of hay crops continued as conditions allowed and baling early planted fields occurred in a few locations. Supplemental feeding remained necessary in some areas.

Date: 4/21/05