Texas

According to an April 1 survey conducted by the Texas Agricultural Statistics Service,

Texas Wheat producers expect to harvest 105 million bushels this year, down 3 percent from 2004, but 9 percent higher than the 2003 crop.

Planted acreage for the 2005 crop is estimated at 5.8 million acres, down 8 percent from 2004 and 12 percent lower than 2003.

Production on the Northern High Plains is expected to total 54.0 million bushels, up 12 percent from a year ago. The Low Rolling Plains is expected to harvest 25.6 million bushels, an increase of 1 percent from 2004. The crop was progressing well in those regions and moisture has been adequate for the most part.

Producers on the Blacklands expect to harvest 7.9 million bushels, down 49 percent from last year. Excessive precipitation last fall prevented many growers from getting in the fields to plant.

On April 1, 69 percent of the winter Wheat acreage was rated from good to excellent condition, compared to 40 percent good to excellent last year.

Texas is the only state that makes an April 1 winter Wheat production estimate. The first national Wheat forecast will be released on May 12, 2005.

Date: 4/21/05