|
Rainfall helps replenish livestock water sources
Texas Many producers across the state experienced light to moderate rainfall during the week ending March 18, according to the National Agricultural Statistics Service, March 19. The western half of the state received mostly traces to 0.25 inches of rainfall, as isolated showers brought 0.50 to 1.5 inches to areas of the Plains and small sections of central Texas. Higher rain accumulations occurred in areas stretching from the Blacklands to areas east and south. The Upper Coast along with south central Texas received the majority of rainfall with mostly 2.0 to 3.0 inches, as isolated showers brought as much as 6.0 inches to small sections. Localized flooding was reported in some of these locations, and some replanting may be necessary. Isolated showers of mostly 2.0 inches also crossed small areas of east Texas and the Lower Valley. The Blacklands and east Texas received mostly 0.50 to 1.5 inches of rainfall. The Edwards Plateau and south Texas both received mostly traces to 1.5 inches of rainfall. Portions of the northern High Plains and the Trans-Pecos remained relatively dry. Moisture levels increased across most areas the state, and a few locations received enough rainfall to increase and even replenish water for livestock use. Some producers experienced some improvement in pasture condition, but supplemental feeding for livestock continued. Winter wheat conditions continued to improve in the Northern High Plains due to the combination of warmer temperatures and recent moisture. Producers continued to pull cattle off wheat fields intended for grain or hay. Also in the Northern High Plains, some producers are also beginning to irrigate fields. Although soil moisture was added to many fields in the Southern High Plains from recent rainfall, some producers experienced problems of green bugs and aphids. Rains were also beneficial to wheat producers in the Southern Low Plains, Cross Timbers, and Edwards Plateau. Producers along the Coastal Bend will be closely monitoring wheat fields for leaf disease due to high temperatures and humidity. Statewide, wheat and oat condition was mostly fair to good. Cotton land preparations were ongoing in the Northern Low Plains. Some producers along the Coastal Bend experienced minimal field flooding, which may cause them to replant fields. Corn planting continued to progress in most areas of the state except the High Plains. Rains delayed Sorghum planting in the Blacklands. In South Central Texas and the Coastal Bend, flooding and small hail damage may cause some producers to replant some fields. The increase in rainfall provided much needed moisture to Sorghum in South Texas as planting continued. Some producers in North East Texas prepared to plant vegetable seeds. Those in the Trans-Pecos area began planting of summer crops such as watermelons, cantaloupes, pumpkins, and onions. Harvest of cabbage and spinach continued in both the Edwards Plateau and South Texas. Pecans remained dormant in the Trans-Pecos area. Some producers in the Northern High Plains continued to move cattle off wheat fields. Warm weather and recent moisture contributed to the progression of pastures and Coastal fields in the Cross Timbers as some fields began to "green up." Although soil moisture was too low for good growth of warm season perennials in the Blacklands, many producers continued to apply fertilizers. Hay feeding decreased in South East Texas as pastures began to "green up." Some producers in South Central Texas reported losses of livestock from recent flooding. Livestock in South Texas benefited from increased forage due to recent moisture and higher temperatures. Statewide, range and pasture condition was mostly fair to poor. B 6 3/26/07 5 Star OK Date: 3/22/07
Copyright/Privacy
Copyright 1995-2008. High Plains Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved. Any republishing of these pages, including electronic reproduction of the editorial archives or classified advertising, is strictly prohibited. If you have questions or comments you can reach us at High Plains Journal 1500 E. Wyatt Earp Blvd., P.O. Box 760, Dodge City, KS 67801 or call 1-800-452-7171. Email: webmaster@hpj.com |
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
