Texas

Winter like weather conditions occurred early to mid week during the week ending March 19, and during that week heavy snows crossed the Plains with snow accumulations of eight to nine inches reported, according to the Texas Agricultural Statistics Service, March 21.

Light to moderate rain showers were reported across many other areas. As skies cleared late in the week, light to moderate frost was reported as far south as Central and South Central Texas. Weather conditions improved late in the week, however by week's end, rain showers and some thunderstorms were reported across the hill country ahead of another cool front. Farming activities continued even with the varying weather conditions.

Land preparations, including fertilization, weed control and planting were active in most areas during the week. Pasture conditions generally improved as temperatures warmed and spring grasses emerged from dormancy. Supplemental feeding remained necessary in several areas, however was decreasing in most locations except where weather extremes were harsh.

Improvement in growth and development of small grain crops continued across the state with warmer conditions. Wet snows across the Plains added needed moisture to many grain fields and growth and development responded accordingly. Top dressing remained active in many areas. Rust and insect pressures were reported in some locations. Statewide, Wheat condition was rated at 85 percent of normal, compared with 52 percent last year.

Land preparation for corn remained active in most areas throughout the week. Planting was active in many locations, however slowed in a few areas due to passing rain showers and a few other locations remained too wet for planting. Emergence of earlier planted corn remained excellent.

Cotton harvest has been completed in most areas, and preparations for planting the new crop were ongoing. Ginning remained active in a few remaining areas. Planting continued in some southern locations where soils were adequately dry.

Sorghum land preparation and planting remained active in some southern locations, however activities stalled at times due to passing rains.

Land preparations for peanuts were active in many locations in late week. Pre-emergence herbicide applications were made in a few areas.

Land preparations and planting was active in a few locations during the week.

In the Rio Grande Valley, harvest of spinach was active. Cabbage harvest remained active in many locations. Growth and development of spring onions continued and preparations for harvest moved ahead. In the San Antonio-Winter Garden, land preparation was active in most areas, however rain showers caused some delays. Planting activities were generally on hold due to wet conditions. Cabbage harvest was active in some areas. In East Texas, land preparations were slow as drying out continued. Preparations for sweet potato planting continued. Some wind damage to watermelon plants was reported. In the High Plains, land preparations were slowed as the result of a wet snow and winter like conditions early in the week. In the Trans Pecos, land preparations continued in most locations. Growth and development of spring onions continued.

Bud break of pecans continued in varied locations as temperatures warmed. Frost damage appeared to be minimal. Peach blooming remained active in central and southern locations.

Range and pastures continued to green up as warm temperatures prevailed in many areas. In areas affected by weather extremes, pastures were somewhat slower to respond. Some locations received additional rainfall or snow during the week, and muddy conditions continued to be a problem. Sprigging and seeding of grasses was active in many locations during the week. Growth and development of alfalfa fields continued, however frost slowed development during mid week. Supplemental feeding remained necessary across the state, however lessened in many areas as pastures responded to warmer temperatures. Sickness in livestock generally improved except in areas where weather extremes occurred.

Date: 3/24/05