Lack of Panhandle rain has producers in a bind

Lack of rain and windy conditions continued to dry out Texas topsoils this last week, reported Texas AgriLife Extension Service agents throughout the state.

Except where irrigation was available, winter wheat suffered. The high winds raised the risk of wildfires on dried out pastures and roadsides.

"Livestock producers are feeding supplements daily and hoping for some moisture to help what winter wheat there still is," said Ryan Martin, AgriLife Extension agent in Motley County, northeast of Lubbock. "Ranchers have had to postpone brandings due to the dry conditions in fear of starting a pasture fire."

"Wilbarger County lost an estimated 1,000 acres to an (escaped) controlled burn the first part of week," said Langdon Reagan, AgriLife Extension agent at Vernon in Wilbarger County. "The producer could be facing a fine due to the burn ban."

"It is extremely dry; we have had high winds and wildfires around the county, burning approximately 11,000 acres," said Greg Gruben, AgriLife Extension agent at Snyder in Scurry County. "We need rain desperately bad in all aspects of agriculture."

The following summaries were compiled by AgriLife Extension Districts reporters this week:

CENTRAL: Dry conditions persisted, with pastures showing little or no growth. Corn planting began. Most producers continued to supply supplemental feed to livestock.

COASTAL BEND: The southern part of the region continued to suffer from lack of rain. Persistent winds contributed to further drying out the topsoil. Many producers are waiting for moisture to plant crops. Where there was rain, sunny skies favored rye grasses and clover growth. Livestock producers continued to supply supplemental feed.