Dec. 13, 2006

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COLLEGE STATION – Cold weather put a chill on some farm operations in parts of the state, but allowed some producers to finish harvests. In other areas, wind-blown snow and moisture put harvests on hold, according to Texas Cooperative Extension experts.

Extension agents report that lack of moisture continues to be the major concern for most producers.

"Deaf Smith County is in a hold pattern until the snow clears," said Rick Auckerman, Extension agent for agriculture and natural resources in Deaf Smith County. "Producers have not been able to get back into the fields to resume cotton harvest yet. There are many modules sitting in the county, with many acres of cotton still on the stalk."

"Seasonable weather has returned to the (Permian) Basin as cotton producers are in full bore to finish their crops," said Lee Howard, Extension agent for agriculture and natural resources in Martin County. "Area gins report about two-thirds finished and look at no later than mid-January having this crop completed."

But Howard reported, "Extremely dry conditions still persist, and we need a rain for the small grains to have a chance to even make grazing."

"Conditions are still dry, but better with recent rainfall last week," said Randy Reeves, Extension agent for agriculture and natural resources in Harrison County. "But cooler temps have slowed ryegrass growth, coupled with dry weather."

"Growers that perceive they have enough deep moisture are trying to put out anhydrous ammonia on corn ground for '07," said Dirk Aaron, Extension agent for agriculture and natural resources in Bell County. "This continues to be questioned by experts: That lack of moisture in the soil profile leads to loss of the fertilizer."

The following conditions were reported by Extension districts this week:

PANHANDLE: Temperatures were below average most of the week before warming to near normal by week's end. No moisture was received. Most areas reported soil moisture as short, but some areas received adequate moisture. The cotton harvest was temporarily stalled by last week's snow, but is about 90 percent complete. The sorghum harvest is complete, and wheat was rated mostly fair to good, with some early planted fields already providing grazing. Moisture is needed. Range conditions were rated mostly fair. Fire danger remained high. Cattle were in fair to good condition, and supplemental feeding continued.

SOUTH PLAINS: Low temperatures were in the teens, with highs in the 40s F to 50s F on sunny afternoons. Soil moisture was short to adequate. Cotton and grain sorghum harvests neared completion. Cotton modules were picked up from fields as gins continued processing the crop. Field operations included shredding stalks, chiseling fields and listing old beds. Wheat is in fair to good condition and needs more moisture. Pastures and ranges were in poor to fair condition. Cold night temperatures all week stressed livestock and increased supplemental feeding.

ROLLING PLAINS: Many area counties received 5-6 inches of snow late in the week, bringing welcomed moisture. The region also received the first hard freeze, with temperatures dropping below 21 F several nights in a row. The lowest temperature recorded was 10 F. Cotton producers hope the freeze will open the remaining cotton bolls. Some winter wheat fields were hurt due to wind-blown snow and dust, but most of the wheat looks good. Some producers started to look for stocker cattle to turn out on wheat. Other producers began leasing wheat fields. Forage for livestock was available, but supplemental feeding continued. The southeastern counties still need rain to fill stock tanks. Without rain, winter grazing may be short.

NORTH: Soil moisture ranged from very short to surplus. Pecans were from 60 percent to 99 percent harvested. Cotton was completely harvested in nearly all counties. Oats were almost completely planted. Pecan harvesters reported good yields, with a surprisingly good crop. Sorghum harvest is complete. Winter wheat was completely emerged. The wheat crop benefitted from last week's showers, and the annual pastures looked good. Surface water remained low, and rainfall totals were still below average for the year. Rain is needed to replenish ponds. Unseasonably low temperatures caused some yellowing in winter pastures, but damage to the wheat crop appeared minimal and yield prospects are excellent. Some ryegrass was burned by the cold weather. Many producers were relying on ryegrass to reduce winter feeding costs, but the growth has been short. The cold weather increased the need for supplemental feeding of livestock. Producers continued selling cattle and looking for hay. Range and pastures were in poor to very poor condition.

EAST: Cold temperatures and dry soil conditions slowed winter pasture growth. Most counties still need rain. Winter feeding of the limited hay supply and protein supplements was in full swing, and fall calving continued. Anderson County reported cattle prices strong on pairs and bred cows, but the calf market was still affected by high corn prices.

FAR WEST: No report.

WEST CENTRAL: Daytime temperatures were low with very cold nights. Dry conditions continued with very high winds. Small grains and pastures need moisture. Some oats fields were damaged by the freeze, while the cotton harvest neared completion. Dryland cotton yields were below average, but irrigated cotton showed good yields. Livestock remained in fair condition. Stock tanks were going dry, and supplemental feeding increased. Culling, reducing and selling off livestock continued due to the dry, cold conditions. The pecan harvest was very short. The region's annual pecan show had only 70 entries – the average number is 95.

CENTRAL: Soil moisture ranged from short to very short, and grasses were showing signs of stress due to below-freezing temperatures and lack of moisture. The pecan crop was very light, and its harvest proceeded rapidly. Hay supplies are dwindling, with many producers having only enough to last through February.

SOUTHEAST: Cool temperatures and wind evaporated all excess moisture. Hay consumption increased, with several nights at or below freezing. Producers provided supplemental feed for cattle, with some last-minute hay baling of roughage. Winter pasture conditions declined due to lack of rainfall, and grazing became limited. The last of native pecans were being picked up, but yields were very low. Some farmers prepared for early spring planting of corn and milo.

SOUTHWEST: Cold weather helped winter vegetables and cool-season grasses, but the region remained dry. Counties north and east of San Antonio received some rain, but a large portion of the area has been completely dry since Oct. 25; the 19-month period from April 2005 to Dec. 11 is the driest on record. The peanut, cabbage and spinach harvests continued. Peanut yields and quality were down; vegetable yields and markets were good. Hunting and related activities continued to dominate rancher and rural activity, especially during weekends.

COASTAL BEND: Some counties reported light rainfall, but soil moisture remained short. Temperatures were cool. Farmers applied fertilizer to land for 2007 crops. Forages were damaged by the cold, dry conditions. Cold weather and drought necessitated full supplemental feeding for range cattle.

SOUTH: Mild conditions with little precipitation continued throughout the region. Sugarcane, citrus and fall vegetables were harvested. Last weekend's short freeze damaged some winter vegetable crops, but most were doing well. The cold front brought some showers, which benefitted wildlife. Producers continued field work in preparation for the next crop season. Some hay was being baled.