Crop Progress and Condition for the Week Ending August 9, 2015.
Hot, dry weather was felt across the state last week. Portions of the Trans Pecos, the Northern and Southern High Plains received two inches or more of rainfall. Also, areas of the Cross Timbers and the Upper Coast received a quarter of an inch or more of precipitation. The rest of the state received little to no measurable rainfall last week.
Small Grains: Preparations for fall seeding continued across the state.
Row Crops: Cotton in the Northern Low Plains and South Texas progressed to the blooming stage, while in the Coastal Bend many fields were being prepared for harvest. Peanuts continued to peg in areas of the Southern High Plains. Many sunflower fields deteriorated in the Blacklands due to hot weather. Soybeans dropping leaves continued in many areas of the Upper Coast, while soybeans emerged was 97% complete across the state.
Harvest of corn neared completion in many areas of the Upper Coast. In the Northern High Plains, some irrigated corn was cut for silage and other fields were sprayed with insecticide. Sorghum harvest was wrapping up in some areas of the Upper Coast, while fields matured in the Edwards Plateau.
Fruit, Vegetable and Specialty Crops: Harvest of summer vegetables neared completion in North East Texas. Lack of sufficient moisture stressed pecan orchards in the Cross Timbers. Pecan development in the Trans Pecos and the Edwards Plateau progressed favorably.
Livestock, Range and Pasture: Livestock producers in many areas of the state continued to provide supplemental feed. Feral hog damage continued to be seen in many areas of North East Texas. Hot, dry weather continued to deteriorate pastures across the state. Range and pasture condition was rated fair to good.
