Crop Progress and Condition for the Week Ending October 25, 2015.
Heavy rainfall was reported across most of the state last week. Areas of the Blacklands received upwards six inches with isolated areas recording upwards of 20 inches of rainfall. In areas of the Upper Coast, South Central and East Texas precipitation reached upwards of six inches, with isolated areas in the Upper Coast and South Central Texas reaching upwards of 10 inches.
Across the rest of the state precipitation ranged from trace amounts to upwards of 3.0 inches of rain, with some areas of the Northern High Plains and Southern Low Plains receiving upwards of six inches. Hail was reported in areas of the Trans-Pecos.
Small Grains: Winter wheat and oat seeding continued, with some delays being experienced in areas of the Northern High Plains, the Southern Low Plains, the Cross Timbers, and the Blacklands due to past weeks rains. Recent moisture contributed to the continued development of wheat and oats.
Row Crops: Widespread rain delayed cotton harvest in the Plains. Some cotton fields in areas of the Trans-Pecos suffered damaged due to hail storms, while in areas of the Southern Low Plains cotton producers sprayed fields with boll opener and desiccants. Cotton harvest is currently at 37 percent, 8 points above previous year, and 3 points above normal. Corn and sorghum continued to progress across areas of the Northern High Plains, but harvest was delayed in many areas due to rainfall. Corn harvest is currently at 77 percent, 13 points behind normal.
Fruit, Vegetable and Specialty Crops: In areas of the Lower Valley fall vegetable crops continued to make progress, as planting remained active. Pecan orchards suffered damage due to recent hail storm in areas of the Trans-Pecos, while in South Texas pecan harvest continued.
Livestock, Range and Pasture: Livestock remain in good condition across most of the state, with some livestock producers continuing supplemental feeding in areas of North East Texas. Range and pasture conditions and stock tank levels improved with last week’s rainfall. In areas of North East Texas issues with feral hogs were on the rise.
