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Rains, cooler temps slow cotton plantingTexas There was little or no relief to the cool, wet conditions across the state during the week ending June 3, and some areas experienced warmer temperatures during the first part of the week, according to the National Agricultural Statistics Service, Texas Field Office, June 4. However, by mid week, scattered thunderstorms and overcast skies passed through most of the Plains, Central, Eastern, and Southern Texas. By week's end, attention turned toward the Gulf as tropical storm Barry veered toward the Texas Coast. Crop acreage continued to be lost or damaged by strong winds, hail storms, and water erosion. There were reports of winds as high as 63 mph in East Texas. Some areas of the Plains reported detrimental losses in cotton acres due to hail damage and continual increases of thrips and diseases. Most areas have adequate sub-soil moisture, as recent rains continued to increase levels. In most areas, field conditions remained too wet for producers to resume harvesting activities and fertilizer applications. Haying and baling continued in some areas where conditions allowed. Livestock remained in good to excellent condition in most areas of the state, despite a continual increase in horn and heel fly populations in cattle. Supplemental feeding continued to decrease due to good forage growth. Weeds were becoming a major problem in some locations. Some wheat in the Northern High Plains suffered hail damage from the recent storms. Lodging became a major issue in small grain fields of the Blacklands due to heavy rains. Also in the Blacklands, the increase in moisture has caused sprouting in heads and an increase in black-point disease infections. Harvest of winter wheat continued in South Central Texas, with reports of average to below average yields resulting from the late season freeze and an increase in disease pressure. Flooding of wheat continued to be a concern for some producers across the state. Statewide, wheat condition was mostly good to excellent while oat condition remained mostly fair to good. Cool, wet conditions slowed cotton planting in most areas of the Plains. Warmer temperatures improved the condition of emerged cotton in the Southern High Plains, and some planting occurred as conditions allowed. In Northern High Plains, corn continued to progress due to recent rainfall. Statewide, corn condition was mostly fair to good. Some producers have decided to increase sorghum acres due to good moisture levels and price potential. The majority of sorghum was headed in South Texas. sorghum condition was mostly good to excellent statewide. Several peanut fields in the Southern High Plains received hail damage. Statewide, peanut condition was mostly fair to good. Recent rainfall has been beneficial to vegetables and fruit crops in North East Texas, but continual moisture has contributed to an increase in disease problems. Harvest of peaches continued in North East Texas while producers in the Lower Valley completed harvest of sugarcane for the season. Pecan producers in the Trans-Pecos continued to irrigate and spray for pecan nut case bearer infestation. Pastures were "greening up" in the Northern Low Plains. Horn and heel fly populations began to increase on cattle in the Cross Timbers. Although rains have contributed to an adequate supply of livestock water in the Cross Timbers, the frequency of these showers has caused some producers to bale hay with much higher moisture content. Cattle in the Blacklands began to increase in weight. Warmer temperatures at the beginning of the week contributed to an increase in alfalfa production and promoted growth of range grass. Producers in the Edwards Plateau continued to shear sheep and goats as crews were available, but many were faced with an increase in internal parasites. Native ranges and pastures continued to provide high quality forage for livestock in South Texas. Statewide, range and pasture condition was mostly good to excellent. B 10 6/11/07 5 Star OK Date: 6/5/07 Advertisement
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