Crop Progress and Condition for the Week Ending August 24, 2014.
Summary: Hot and humid weather persisted across the state last week, with highs ranging between the high 90s and mid-100s. Most areas of the state received at least some measurable rainfall during the week. South East Texas and the Northern Plains received two or more inches of rainfall, while the Edwards Plateau, Trans-Pecos and South Central Texas received between one to four inches in isolated areas. Other areas within the state received an inch or less of rainfall.
Small Grains: Preparations continued for winter wheat seedings and small grain farmers were applying weed control in the Northern High Plains. Other activities included plowing and spreading of fertilizer.
Row Crops: In areas of the Blacklands, corn continued to mature, while harvest was nearing completion in South Central Texas. Cotton harvest made good progress in areas of the Coastal Bend. In areas of the Trans-Pecos, cotton bolls continued to open. Sorghum harvest was active in many areas of the state. Sugarcane aphid infestation was reported in some areas of the Cross Timbers. Peanuts progressed in areas of the Southern High Plains, while many fields in areas of South Texas were setting pods. Rice harvest continued in the Upper Coast.
Fruit, Vegetable and Specialty Crops: Pecans remained in mostly good condition throughout the state. Irrigation was active in some pecan orchards. Fruit and vegetable production slowed in areas of North East Texas. Grasshoppers continued to be found in vegetable gardens.
Livestock, Range and Pasture: Showers helped green pastures and rangeland in many parts of the state, while some deteriorated due to lack of sufficient moisture. In areas of the Edwards Plateau, livestock herds were being thinned due to continued drought conditions. Supplemental feeding continued throughout the state, due to lack of sufficient nutrients being found in pastures.
