Rain improves crop conditions

Crop conditions improved in Central, East, North and parts of the Rolling Plains thanks to rain, according to reports from Texas AgriLife Extension Service agents. However, much of the rest of the state remains short of moisture. The cost of fertilizer remains a critical issue for many producers throughout the state.

"Still no changes in weather; it's dry!" said J. D. Ragland, Texas AgriLife Extension Service agent in Floyd County, near Lubbock. "The only chance we had this week of any kind of moisture was on Wednesday evening, and it looked like we had every opportunity, but we missed and drew a goose egg."

"A few wheat fields are hanging on but will need moisture in the next week," said Danny Nusser, AgriLife Extension agent in Randall County, south of Amarillo. "Most dryland fields are being 'disastered' because of the lack of moisture and insect pressure earlier in the year. Pastures will need moisture to begin spring growth."

"Many cattle producers are continuing to feed due to shortage of grass or no grass growth due to drought," said David Graf, AgriLife Extension agent in Sherman County in the northern Texas Panhandle. "Some cattle are being grazed on wheat due to poor wheat conditions (too poor to harvest as grain) and high feed prices."

Pastures are making excellent growth, but fertilizer applications are not taking place," said Randy Reeves, AgriLife Extension agent in Harrison County in East Texas. "Those that are applying fertilizer are doing so at super-reduced rates due to high cost."

The following summaries were compiled by Texas AgriLife Extension Service District reporters this week:

CENTRAL: Rain came to most of the region, filling stock tanks, greening up pastures and replenishing soil moisture. Some counties received hail with light damage to corn. The condition of cattle has greatly improved.

COASTAL BEND: Warm, windy and dry weather was the rule. Lack of soil moisture slowed the growth of cotton and small grains. The wheat harvest began. Some hay was harvested, and livestock producers had to supplementally feed because of lack of forage.

EAST: Pastures made excellent growth despite scattered showers. Many producers are not applying fertilizer to improved pastures because of the high cost. Those that are fertilizing are only using low rates. Pasture weed control began with applications of herbicides. Livestock producers were working cattle; reports of fly problems came from some counties. Blueberry and blackberry growing season was off to a good start in Henderson County. Spraying of peach trees continued.

SOUTHEAST: Cool-season annual grasses have run their course, and seed is maturing. No significant moisture was received. Rice planting continued and should end the early part of next week. Mexican Rice Borer moths are being caught in traps. Numbers averaged in the thirties per trap this week, which is not a big number compared with what's expected later this year. There are still hay reserves. Producers are continuing to fertilize pastures despite high nitrogen prices, but producers are applying less. Livestock were doing well.