Texas

Weather conditions across the state during the week ending July 17 were hot with some areas receiving varied amounts of rainfall, according to the Texas Agricultural Statistics Service, July 18.

Generally, dry conditions continued and even in areas where rains fell, many producers indicated that it was too little too late to benefit crops. Irrigation was active in all areas where possible and crops were developing well. Dryland crops were showing signs of extreme moisture stress in many areas and some producers had turned livestock into fields of late planted crops as in an attempt to salvage some good from the crop failure. A few areas saw enough rainfall to benefit range and pastures however, most regions received no benefit and in these areas producers continued to reduce or disperse their livestock herds. Some producers were totally out of hay supplies and the future was not promising at this time on further hay cuttings this season.

Grain harvest was generally completed across the state with only a very few isolated locations left to harvest. Land preparation for fall planting was underway in many areas, especially in locations where earlier rainfall had increased soil moisture.

Corn growth and development continued where irrigation was possible. A few areas planted with dryland corn received moderate rainfall during the week however, little improvement was noticed in corn development. Harvest remained active in several southern locations especially where the threat of heavy rains associated with hurricane Emily were possible. Statewide, corn condition was rated at 64 percent of normal, compared with 95 percent last year.

Cotton irrigation was ongoing in most areas where possible. Light to moderate rainfall was received in a few areas during the week and some producers indicated improvements in their dryland cotton. Harvest was underway in a very few Rio Grande Valley locations, especially where rains from hurricane Emily were likely. Other producers were waiting until possible rains were over before applying defoliation chemicals. Insect populations continued to increase in some areas, especially weevils and grasshoppers. Statewide, cotton condition was rated at 67 percent of normal compared with 76 percent last year.

Scattered rain showers improved sorghum development in many central areas during the week. In other areas rainfall was more widely scattered. In a few locations conditions remained excessively dry and producers had bailed or turned livestock into sorghum fields. Baling remained active in some areas that have remained dry and harvest moved ahead in southern regions. Statewide, sorghum condition was rated at 69 percent of normal, compared with 85 percent last year.

Peanut irrigation remained active in most areas. Rainfall during the week was limited, however some dryland producers in central areas did receive good rains. A few dryland acres have continued to miss passing rains and these peanuts were in sad shape. Statewide, peanut condition was rated at 82 percent of normal, compared with 86 percent last year.

Soybeans progressed well under irrigation and dryland acres also made progress in areas where showers fell. Many other areas were suffering from lack of moisture and the beans were reported to be in bad shape. Statewide, soybean condition was rated at 58 percent of normal.

Rice growth and development continued in all rice growing areas. Flooding of fields continued. Insect problems remained light. Statewide, rice condition was rated at 79 percent of normal, compared with 83 percent last year.

In the Rio Grande Valley, irrigated watermelons and cantaloupes made good progress. Preparations for fall planting was underway in some locations. In the San Antonio-Winter Garden, green bean harvest continued in a few locations. Land preparation was active in areas where soil moisture was suitable for farming activities. In East Texas, onion, squash and sweet potato harvest remained active in a few locations. Conditions were improved in a few areas as rains showers occurred during mid to late week. Insect and fungus pressure continued to increase in many locations and treatment was ongoing.

Pecan spraying for pecan nut case bearer and web worms remained active in many areas. Irrigation remained active where necessary. Nut development remained satisfactory in areas where moisture was adequate. Nut drop remained light.

Range and pasture conditions remained varied across the state. Many central and eastern locations received varying amounts of rainfall during the week and improvement could be soon noticed if the trend continues. Other areas were not as lucky and pasture decline remained in effect. Supplemental feeding remained necessary for many producers and herd reduction continued to increase in many areas. Livestock water supplies were short in many areas and hauling water to livestock was necessary for some producers. Haying operations continued to suffer and baling remained suspended in some areas until rainfall is received. Concern continued among many producers as to the possibility of hay shortages this fall.

Date: 7/21/05