Crop Progress and Condition for the Week Ending October 19, 2014.
Summary: Much of the state received rainfall last week. Areas of the Blacklands and East Texas recorded one or more inches of precipitation for the week, while many areas of the Northern High Plains and the Cross-Timbers received a half an inch or more of precipitation. The rest of the state observed scattered showers.
Small Grains: Producers in the Plains continued to seed wheat as early-sown wheat emerged. Rainfall in the Blacklands and the Cross-Timbers helped small grains, while some seeding was delayed as producers were waiting for fields to dry out. In the Coastal Bend, armyworms continued to cause problems for small grain producers.
Row Crops: Sunflower harvest continued to progress in the Northern High Plains. Cotton harvest was winding down in South Central Texas and continued to progress in the Blacklands. Cotton stalk removal continued in the Upper Coast. Soybean harvest continued in the Northern High Plains. Corn harvest was active in the High Plains. Peanut harvest progressed in areas of the Northern Low Plains and South Texas. In the Southern Low Plains, sorghum harvest continued.
Fruit, Vegetable and Specialty Crops: In areas of the Cross-Timbers, pecan harvest was active, while in North East Texas, reports of pecan scab were increasing. Recent rainfall in South Central Texas slowed harvest of pecans. Sesame continued to be harvested in areas of the Edwards Plateau. In South Texas, producers continued irrigating recently planted spinach, cabbage and onions.
Livestock, Range and Pasture: Producers began supplemental feeding of livestock to help maintain body condition heading into late fall and winter. Insect pressure on pastures in the Edwards Plateau had decreased. In the Northern Low Plains, the abundance of moisture from the past week improved range and pastures. Stock tank water levels decreased in areas of the Cross-Timbers.
