Texas

Weather conditions stabilized across the state during the week ending May 22, and temperatures warmed throughout the week and by week's end record high temperatures were reported in varying locations, according to the Texas Agricultural Statistics Service, May 23.

Warmer temperatures helped warm soils that previously had been too cool for planting and allowed farming operations to move ahead. The high temperatures, accompanied by windy, dry conditions and little or no rainfall in some areas reduced soil moisture in many areas. Pasture grasses and newly emerged crops suffered in parts of all areas. Water available for livestock was declining in several areas and body condition in some livestock herds showed signs of stress. Insect populations were on the increase in a few areas; however no critical problems were reported. Early Wheat harvest was underway in southern locations. Sunflowers were progressing well and neared harvest in some South Texas locations.

Harvest activity increased in central and southern locations as a result of the more stabilized weather patterns. Damage from previous storms across the Plains was still being assessed and more producers indicated they would bale their Wheat instead of cutting for grain. Rust remained a major problem in a few locations. Statewide, Wheat condition was rated at 66 percent of normal, compared with 61 percent last year. Statewide, oat condition was rated at 62 percent of normal.

Corn planting in the Panhandle moved ahead as soils dried out from previous rains. Damage from previous hail storms was evident, however most producers indicated that replanting was not necessary. Emerged fields suffered from increased temperatures and dry conditions, and irrigation increased in many areas. Statewide, corn condition was rated at 77 percent of normal, compared with 87 percent last year.

Cotton planting remained active in most areas of the Panhandle and South Plains. Lack of precipitation has led a few dryland producers to elect not to plant cotton due to the uncertainty of future rainfall. Emergence of earlier planted cotton was mostly satisfactory with the exception of some dry planted cotton. A few fields were damaged by hail early in the week. Irrigation was active in a few areas. Further south, cotton was suffering in areas of the Coastal Bend and Rio Grande Valley from dry conditions. Statewide, cotton condition was rated at 81 percent of normal.

Sorghum planting moved ahead in Central areas of the state where conditions were favorable. Locations that have completed planting are now waiting on rainfall to assist development. Stress from high temperatures and lack of moisture was evident in many newly emerged fields. Sorghum fields in the majority of the Coastal Bend were in need of moisture and conditions continued to deteriorate. In the Rio Grande Valley, conditions were excessively dry and rainfall at this time may not benefit the crop. Harvest should begin in soon in southern areas. Statewide, sorghum condition was rated at 68 percent of normal, compared with 84 percent last year.

Peanut planting activity increased across all peanut growing areas of the state with the warmer temperatures. Early planted fields have made mostly good progress, however a few fields received damage from hail the previous week. Some replanting may be necessary in a few locations as cool temperatures in early May reduced germination.

Soybean planting was mostly completed on the Upper Coast and in Central Texas. Earlier planted fields in central and southern areas were showing signs of moisture stress. Planting activities had moved into areas of the Plains by mid-week. Statewide, soybean condition was rated at 74 percent of normal.

Rice planting was essentially completed. Early planted stands were considered mostly favorable. Statewide, rice condition was rated at 82 percent of normal, compared to 87 percent last year.

In the Rio Grande Valley, onion harvest remained active while harvest of other vegetables was mostly complete. Melon harvest was ongoing. In the San Antonio-Winter Garden, carrot harvest was mostly completed. Onion harvest was in full swing with good yields and quality reported. Rainfall was needed across the area and irrigation was active. Harvest of cabbage and some potatoes continued.

In East Texas, vegetables made good progress where irrigation water was available, however dry land crops were suffering. Onion and squash harvest was active. Preparations for sweet potato planting continued. Some squash harvest was in progress. Blackberry harvest was active across the region.

Spraying for pecan nut case bearer increased statewide. Other insect pressure was generally light. Irrigation became more active during the week, especially in the driest locations.

Range and pasture conditions ranged from very poor to excellent across the state. In areas that have received relatively frequent rainfall in the past several weeks, pastures conditions were holding up satisfactorily. Other areas have not been so lucky, especially in southern locations. Range and pasture decline increased in most areas with the increase in temperatures, and livestock body conditions declined in many locations as a result of the dry conditions. Surface water available for livestock was becoming short in some locations. Supplemental feeding remained active and increased in drier locations. Hay baling was active on native and improved grasses in many areas, and more Wheat fields were being baled for hay due to weather conditions and rust problems. Statewide, range and pasture condition was rated at 64 percent of normal.

Date: 5/26/05

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