Texas

Weather conditions were somewhat unsettled during the week ending Sept. 18, with a few showers in the southern regions during early to midweek and severe weather in many portions of the Plains, North Texas and varied locations, while still other areas conditions remained generally hot and dry, according to the Texas Agricultural Statistics Service, Sept. 19.

Harvest of summer crops continued across the state, however a few delays were reported from areas where heavy rains fell. Land preparation for fall planting continued to be a priority where possible. A few producers were waiting for soils to dry after the rains and other producers reported that soils were too dry and rain would be necessary before planting activities could continue. Planting of small grains remained one of the higher priorities across the state as many producers are hoping for some field grazing this fall. Range and pastures remained in fair shape in areas where earlier rains occurred, however many other areas were in poor shape and declining rapidly. Livestock water supplies continued to deteriorate in many dry areas and hauling water to livestock began for some producers in these locations. Supplemental feeding remained heavy in many locations and was becoming necessary in many other areas. Hay production was slow to non-existent depending on the area around the state and whether or not adequate rainfall has occurred.

Small grain land preparation and planting moved ahead in many areas, especially in areas where soil moisture was adequate. In other areas, producers were dry planting and waiting for rain. Irrigation was active in areas where possible. Emergence of previously planted Wheat and oats was reported as good in areas where rainfall has occurred and good stands also seem to be common. Problems with insect populations were light to moderate at this time.

Good cotton growth and development continued in many areas, especially across the Plains. Cooler temperatures and decreased day length was slowing maturity. Some fields remained relatively wet and root rot was a problem in some of these areas. Insect activity remained variable, but manageable. Some crop damage was reported as the result of passing storms during the week. In areas further south, harvest and preparations for harvest continued. Ginning and stalk destruction activities continued in areas where harvest was ongoing. Statewide, cotton condition was rated at 74 percent of normal, compared with 82 percent last year.

Corn harvest moved ahead across the Plains and portions of North Texas. A few delays were reported as the result of heavy rainfall associated with a passing cool front.

Sorghum growth and development remained good to fair on late planted sorghum, however maturity was slowing as the result of cool days with less sunlight. Harvest moved ahead in early planted fields in many areas of the Southern Plains and North Central Texas with only a few delays reported. Statewide, sorghum condition was rated at 70 percent of normal, compared with 78 percent last year.

Peanut growth and development continued to be mostly normal around the state. Disease pressure remained light and manageable by all reports. Harvest and preparations for harvest gained strength and moved into portions of the Plains during the week. Statewide, peanut condition was rated at 87 percent of normal, compared with 91 percent last year.

Soybean harvest continued in Northeast Texas and portions of the Upper Coast. Light to moderate rains caused some delays in portions of these areas. Soybeans continued to suffer from drought conditions in portions of East Texas. Some crop damage was reported in a few locations as the result of passing storms during midweek. Statewide, soybean condition was rated at 53 percent of normal.

In the Rio Grande Valley, preparations for fall planting continued. Irrigation was active in a few locations and cabbage transplants were being set. Pre-watering continued in many locations. Seed bed preparations for onions, spinach and other green vegetables continued during the week. Planting of carrots and onions continued in several locations. In the San Antonio-Winter Garden, early planted cabbage made good progress and pre-watering continued in areas where other fall crops will be planted. Seed bed preparations began as planting will begin soon. In the High Plains, pumpkins made good progress and harvest of early planted pumpkins continued.

Insect populations continued to cause varying amounts of problems for pecan producers in many areas and control measures were being applied as needed. Nut drop continued in areas where dry conditions were ongoing. Some damage was reported in a few areas as the result of high winds and hail that accompanied a passing cool front.

Pasture green up and improvement was ongoing in areas where rainfall has been adequate and steady. However, there are many areas where these conditions have been dry for some time. Many counties are suffering drought conditions of varying degree, and both crops and livestock herds were suffering. Pasture conditions continued to decline prior to the winter months and producers were very concerned about available forage. Hay supplies were extremely short in most of these areas and the possibility of adequate growth before frost was not likely. Many producers continued to sell livestock as it was not profitable to continue buying hay. In areas where rains have been adequate, pasture growth was ongoing. Hay production remained variable across the state depending on moisture levels in the particular area. Armyworm infestations seemed to be more stable in many areas, however new populations have been found in some grain fields intended for grazing.