Planting moves forward in some areas

Texas

Southern regions finally got the rain they have been asking for during the week ending May 21, but unfortunately, much of it was far too late to benefit row crops, according to the Texas Agricultural Statistics Service, May 22.

The Rio Grande Valley and western portions of South Texas reported rainfall amounts ranging from 1/2 to 3 inches. The Coastal Bend received a trace to 11/2 inches. Other areas receiving significant moisture include the Edwards Plateau, Upper Coast, Central and East Texas. Some locations in these regions recorded 1/2 to 2 inches accumulation. Trace amounts of rain occurred over the Panhandle, South Plains, and Trans Pecos. Hot temperatures took over after the rain ended early in the week. Summer crops progressed well across the Blacklands and central areas. Planting moved forward on the Panhandle and South Plains. Pasture conditions improved for the most part but weeds were a big problem in many locations. Insurance agents were busy disastering crops in the Rio Grande Valley and Coastal Bend. Horn flies were a growing nuisance in cattle herds.

Hay cutting increased as producers looked to restock the dwindling supply.

Irrigation of Wheat continued in locations across the Panhandle. Much of the remaining crop in the region was in the soft dough maturity stage. There was much concern among producers about the availability of Wheat seed this coming fall given the expected low production this season. Wheat continued to be cut for hay statewide. Grain harvest progressed northward. Statewide, Wheat condition was mostly rated very poor to poor. Oats condition statewide was mostly rated very poor to poor.

Cotton planting was in full swing on the Panhandle and South Plains. Early planted fields in those regions have emerged while some producers were still waiting on rain to begin seeding. Adequate soil moisture was very hit-or-miss; one field could have enough forgermination while a neighboring field could be too dry. Blackland cotton producers reported insect problems. Many dryland fields in the Rio Grande Valley and Coastal Bend were disastered out due to lingering drought.

Corn fields on the Panhandle were heavily irrigated. Good stands were reported. Corn was tasseling across the Blacklands. Fields in the region were beginning to wilt in the afternoon sun as more moisture would be required quickly. South Texas dryland corn was stunted badly due to ongoing drought. Insurance agents continued to disaster fields in southern areas. The corn condition statewide was mostly rated fair to good.

Sorghum planting continued on the Panhandle and the South Plains. The crop progressed well across the Blacklands, but additional precipitation would be needed shortly. Many dryland fields in the Rio Grande Valley and Coastal Bend were disastered out due to lingering drought. In southern regions, irrigation was heavy where possible. Statewide, sorghum condition was mostly rated poor to fair.

Peanut planting continued across the South Plains. Newly seeded fields were heavily watered.

Rice growers on the eastern Upper Coast were concerned with a high number of Mexican Rice Borers caught in traps along field edges. The condition of rice was mostly rated fair to good statewide.

Soybean planting continued on the Panhandle. Statewide, the condition was mostly rated fair to good.

In the Rio Grande Valley, watermelon harvest was ongoing. In the San Antonio-Winter Garden, producers harvested cabbage, potatoes, and onions. In East Texas, growers were harvesting green beans and onions. Blackberry and blueberry picking was set to begin. Watermelons were showing some fungus problems. On the Panhandle, pumpkins will be planted in a few weeks

Pecan spraying continued for pecan nut casebearer. Nuts were setting.

Pastures continued to green-up for the most part. Summer grasses were growing well but so were noxious weeds. Many producers were cutting their first hay crop of the year. A much bigger percentage of small grains were being cut for hay this year because of the poor condition of Wheat and oats and the shortage of hay. In those locations of South Texas that received significant rainfall, pastures and rangeland improved. For a majority of the region, any improvement was limited as exceptional drought conditions continued. For those cattlemen that still had excess cattle to sell, herd liquidation continued. Hay was still very scarce and showed no signs of becoming less expensive.

Date: 5/25/06

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