Crop Progress and Condition for the Week Ending March 23, 2014.
Summary
Warmer temperatures were reported early in the week. Windy weather brought cooler tempera-tures and dust storms to the Panhandle late in the week. Many Areas of the Upper Coast, and Coastal Bend received a tenth of an inch to a quarter of an inch of precipitation. Areas of the Edwards Plateau and South Central Texas observed trace amounts up to a quarter inch of precipitation. The remainder of the state received no precipitation to a half of an inch.
Small Grains: Winter wheat in the Southern Low Plains and the Edwards Plateau continued to show signs of stress brought on by dry, windy conditions. In the Coastal Bend winter wheat was entering the boot stage.
Row Crops: Wet field conditions delayed corn planting in the Blacklands. Producers in South Central Texas finished planting corn and turned their attention to planting cotton and sorghum. Rice planting was progressing well. Cotton fields continued to be prepared in the Northern Low Plains.
Fruit, Vegetable and Specialty Crop: Fall planted onions continued to grow and expand in size in the Trans-Pecos. Vegetables continued to be planted as cool night temperatures had affected intentions in North East Texas. Producers in the Edwards Plateau began the pruning and training grape vines.
Livestock, Range and Pasture: Livestock continued to be sold at local auctions. Cattle grazed winter pastures in the Blacklands. Fire danger remained high in the Trans-Pecos.
