Texas Crop Weather

Issue:  TX-CW1308
Released:  March 24, 2008
For the week of:  March 17 - 23, 2008

Cooperating Agencies:
   Texas A & M Cooperative Extension,
   Texas Department of Agriculture,
   National Weather Service

Maps:
   Agricultural District Map

Summary:  Much of the Blacklands, Cross Timbers, and Edwards Plateau received showers with up to 5 or 6 inches of rainfall in some areas.  Fire danger remained a concern in Trans-Pecos and South Texas as very dry and windy conditions were observed Trans-Pecos, South Texas, and the Lower Valley received very little rainfall, about 0.01 to 0.25 inches.  The Low Plains received up to 1.5 inches of rain; however, the High Plains received very little to no rainfall.  Small grains fields improved after recent rains across much of the state.  Pre-irrigating of some cotton fields occurred in the Southern High Plains, while some planting of cotton was delayed due to rain in the Coastal Bend.  Corn planting was still delayed due to wet fields in the Blacklands.  Dry planting of sorghum continued in the Coastal Bend.  Top soil moisture was mostly short to adequate across the state.  Hay consumption remained constant as pastures continued to green up in the Edwards Plateau and the Northern Low Plains.

Field Crops Report

Small Grains:  Small grains fields improved after recent rains across much of the state.  Irrigated wheat continued to improve; and dryland wheat started to improve with the small amounts of rain received.  Wheat condition was mostly poor to fair statewide.  Oat condition was mostly fair to good statewide.

Cotton:  Pre-irrigating of some cotton fields occurred in the Southern High Plains, while some planting of cotton was delayed due to rain in the Coastal Bend.

Corn:  Corn planting was still delayed due to wet fields in the Blacklands.  Corn planting continued in South Central and South Texas.  Early planted fields started to emerge in South Central.

Sorghum:  Dry planting of sorghum continued in the Coastal Bend.  After the rain last week, sorghum producers resumed planting activities in South Texas.  Sorghum condition was mostly fair to good statewide.

Fruit, Vegetable and Specialty Crop Report

Sugarcane, citrus, and cabbage continued to be harvested in the Lower Valley and South Texas.  Peach trees continued to bloom in North East Texas.  Potato fields continued to develop in South Texas.

Livestock, Pasture and Range Report

Hay consumption remained constant as pastures continued to green up in the Edwards Plateau and the Northern Low Plains.  Some producers experienced some improvement in pasture condition, but supplemental feeding of livestock continued.  Range and pasture condition was mostly poor to fair statewide.