Crop Progress and Condition for the Week Ending February 9, 2014.
Summary
Frigid temperatures continued across Texas last week. Many areas of the Cross-Timbers, Blacklands and East Texas saw significant amounts of precipitation. The Southern High Plains and the Upper Coast received a 0.25 to 1 inch of precipitation. The Trans-Pecos and South Texas only received trace amounts.
Small Grains: Producers in the Cross-Timbers reported cold temperatures continued to inhibit winter wheat emergence. South Central Texas reported that the lack of rainfall had caused minor damage to winter wheat and oat fields. Fertilizer applications continued on recently grazed winter wheat fields in the Northern High Plains.
Row Crops: In the Coastal Bend, new pest populations affecting sorghum fields were observed. Preparations were underway in the Upper Coast for a late February corn planting date.
Fruit, Vegetable and Specialty Crop: Pruning of fruit trees continued in North East Texas. Pecan producers in the Cross-Timbers finished up harvest, although many placed pecans in cold storage due to low prices and a slow market period. Cabbage harvest is expected to resume early next week in South Texas.
Livestock, Range and Pasture: Lice problems were causing some concern in the Northern High Plains and North East Texas. Supplemental feeding continued. Feeder cattle prices were reported slightly lower; however, prices of slaughter cows and bulls remained strong.
