Crop Progress and Condition for the Week Ending August 31, 2014.
Summary:
Hot and dry weather persisted early in the week. However, as the week progressed, precipitation fell across the majority of the state. Areas of South East Texas, the Upper Coast, the Coastal Bend and the Lower Valley received significant rainfall totaling up to six inches. Parts of the Plains received one or more inches of precipitation. The rest of the state observed scattered showers.
Small Grains: Ground preparations continued for fall wheat and oats seeding. In the Northern Low Plains, producers anticipated grazing of wheat to begin in the coming weeks. Insect pressure continued throughout the state.
Row Crops: In the Northern High Plains, silage corn continued to be harvested, while in the Upper Coast harvest was wrapping up. In areas of the Northern Low Plains, cotton continued to progress where adequate moisture could be found. In the Blacklands, cotton continued to be harvested and ginned. In areas of South Texas, cotton harvest was active, with hot, dry conditions aiding the defoliation process.
Disease risk remained high for peanuts in the Southern High Plains, while in South Texas, peanuts continued to be irrigated. Soybeans continued to be harvested in areas of the Blacklands. Some producers baled rice straw from previously harvested fields in areas of South Central Texas. Sorghum harvest was progressing in areas of the Blacklands. Sugarcane aphids continued to cause problems in some areas.
Fruit, Vegetable and Specialty Crops: Pecans continued to mature around the state with light insect pressure and heavy irrigation applications. In the Trans-Pecos, pecans moved into the gel nut stage.
Livestock, Range and Pasture: Pasture conditions improved with recent rainfall. Livestock were in good to fair condition in many areas of the state. In the North East Texas, grasshoppers continued to be a problem. In areas of South Texas, livestock were being supplemented with hay and protein to make up for lack of nutrition found in rangelands.
