Feb. 8, 2006

SAN ANGELO – Landowners whose property has suffered fire damage can make the best of a bad situation where some weeds are concerned, said Dr. Allan McGinty, Texas Cooperative Extension range specialist at San Angelo.

"Prickly pear that has been burned becomes highly susceptible to reduced broadcast rates of herbicide," McGinty said. "When treating unburned prickly pear with herbicide, the recommended rate of Tordon 22K is 1 quart per acre. But if the prickly pear is burned first, and there is significant damage to the pads two weeks after the fire, the rate can be reduced to 1 pint per acre, a 50 percent decrease in herbicide cost."

Prickly pear burned this winter should be sprayed within five months, McGinty said, preferably when the burned parts begin to sprout new thumb-sized pads. The only region of the state where this fire/herbicide control system is not recommended is in the Rio Grande Plains, he said.

Throughout much of the state, extremely dry conditions continue and fire potential is great, according to Extension reports.

These conditions were reported by Extension districts this week:

PANHANDLE: Temperatures were above average all week. A light, isolated rain fell over parts of the area. Some spring land preparation is in progress. Soil moisture is short to very short and continues to decline. Wheat condition is mostly poor to very poor. Isolated and light greenbug infestations have been reported. Cattle on wheat pasture are being moved to feedlots or sold because of lack of available grazing. Cattle condition is rated fair to good.

SOUTH PLAINS: Dry conditions continued with a trace of rainfall received and a slightly higher-than-average humidity. Ginning of cotton continues. Wheat is in poor condition. Some producers are irrigating fields. Pastures and ranges are in poor condition. Cattle are in fair to good condition with supplemental feeding continuing.

ROLLING PLAINS: Drought conditions continue across the area despite recent showers. The unusually warm and windy conditions are further depleting soil moisture. The extended drought conditions are becoming very severe. Range conditions are getting severe with no winter green grass. Livestock are getting supplemental feed. Cows with calves are needing about 8 pounds of feed per day.

NORTH: Soil moisture is adequate to very short. Wheat, pastures and ranges are fair to very poor. Light rains, from 1 to 3 inches, have helped pastures and ponds as well as some emerging wheat and oats. Winter pastures and crops are beginning to grow. The hay shortage remains a problem and is causing some producers to sell cattle.

EAST: From 1 to 3 inches of rain helped eased dry conditions, but the situation still is critical. Ryegrass stands are improving and some additional acreage of rye is being planted. Producers are feeding cattle high rates supplements due to limited hay supplies. Cattle are in fair to good body condition, and market prices very high with strong demand. Watermelon fields are almost ready for transplants as the recent rain allowed growers to get the beds prepared. Less irrigation was needed due to recent rain.

FAR WEST: Most of the area has short to very short soil moisture, though some areas have an adequate amount. Pastures, ranges and livestock are very poor to good. Winter wheat is mostly poor to very poor. Above-normal temperatures are occurring with little or no moisture. Rangelands need rain.

WEST CENTRAL: Very dry windy conditions continue with above-average temperatures. Burn bans remain in effect. Light rain was reported in a few areas. Drought conditions continue to deplete soil moisture. Cotton ginning continues and should be complete in a few weeks. Supplemental feeding of livestock continues. Cattle prices remain strong.

CENTRAL: Beneficial rainfall fell, but most of the area still is in a drought. Hay is still very short and supplemental feeding of cattle continues. Some small grains are emerging.

SOUTHEAST: Up to 2 inches of rain fell, but more is needed. Temperatures have been warm and mild. Hay supplies are declining. Cattle are doing well in spite of the dry conditions. Corn planting might begin soon because rain helped replenish soil moisture.

SOUTHWEST: Temperatures are unseasonably warm and conditions are dry. Winter forages have been depleted except for on irrigated acreage. Land preparation continues for row crops, but pre-irrigation is required. Harvest continues for winter vegetables including cabbage, spinach and specialty vegetables. Onions and potatoes are making good progress with heavy irrigation.

COASTAL BEND: No significant rainfall fell, and temperatures reached near-record highs. Farmers need more rain to prepare for corn planting. Pastures are dry with heavy supplemental feeding of livestock. Culling of livestock continues as forage and hay supplies are very short.

SOUTH: Soil moisture is short. Very dry conditions continue, adding to the loss of dryland oats and wheat. Harvest continues on citrus, sugarcane and vegetables. Some corn is coming to a stand. Cabbage and spinach harvests continue. Field preparation and irrigation for upcoming planting season is very active. Hay supplies are decreasing.