Drier conditions prevail

Texas

For the second week in a row, drier conditions were prevalent across most regions of the state during the week ending Sept. 28, according to the National Agricultural Statistics Service, Texas Field Office, Sept. 29.

Temperatures also increased in many areas, as there were some reports of highs in the upper 80s. These improved conditions contributed to the maturation of cotton, sorghum, and sunflowers, after progression was slowed from Hurricane Ike a few weeks ago. Some areas of Central Texas received traces to 0.25 inches of rainfall. Higher rain accumulations of mostly 0.25 to 2.0 inches occurred in areas stretching from South Texas to the Lower Valley, as isolated showers brought as much as 4.0 to 5.0 inches to sections along the Gulf of Mexico. However, the remaining areas of the state were relatively dry. Fly population increased and caused considerable discomfort to many livestock. However, condition remained good.

Planting of wheat was in full swing across most areas of the state, as there were some reports of diseases in the crop. Statewide, wheat and oat condition was mostly fair to good.

Despite the increase in cotton maturation from the increased temperatures, many producers are skeptical about future yield potential as more heat units are still needed. There were some reports of defoliation in the Southern High Plains. In the Southern Low Plains, some producers applied harvest aids as bolls continued to open. Harvest was in full swing in the Blacklands, as stripping of fields was ongoing in some sections. Statewide, cotton condition was mostly poor to fair.

In the Northern High Plains, corn harvest was ongoing with many reports of good to excellent yields. Corn condition was mostly fair to good statewide

Many sorghum producers across the state have experienced an increase in armyworm pressure. Due to excess moisture left standing in fields from past storms, harvest was slowed in the Southern High Plains. Statewide, sorghum condition was mostly fair to good.

Although the majority of peanut pre-harvesting activities have been completed, some producers across the state continued irrigation of peanuts. Early planted peanuts continued to mature as harvest was ongoing. Peanut condition was mostly fair to good statewide.

Irrigation of pecan orchards was in full swing in some areas of the state. However, many producers have increased beliefs that this year's crop will not be as good as the previous year. In the Trans-Pecos area, the "pawnee" pecan cultivar has began opening of shucks and should be ready for harvest in the upcoming week.

Along the Upper Coast, many producers continued field work for a second rice crop as Hurricane Ike basically destroyed a lot of the main harvested crop. Rice condition was mostly fair to good statewide. Cabbage planting began in some areas of South Texas.

Livestock was generally in good condition across the state. However, fly populations have also increased and continued to cause problems. In the Northern Low Plains and Cross Timbers, drought damaged pastures improved due to rainfall received a few weeks ago. However, weed problems and increased armyworm pressure continued to plague many producers in the Cross Timbers. Planting of winter pastures began in East Texas, as some loss of pastures was reported in South East Texas due to flooding from Hurricane Ike. Range and pasture conditions continued to decline in the northern portion of South Texas due to the lack of moisture. However, the southern half of the district was more fortunate as the increased rainfall contributed to the progression of range and pasture land. Stock tank levels in portions of South Texas increased due recent rainfall. Statewide, range and pasture condition was mostly fair to good.

10/6/08
5 Star OK\6-B

Date: 10/2/08

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