Feb. 15, 2006

COLLEGE STATION – The much anticipated rainfall last weekend provided some relief for Texas farmers and ranchers, but for many areas the precipitation was not enough or failed to fall at all, according to Texas Cooperative Extension specialists.

"Recent rains have helped the ryegrass (for winter pastures)," said Brian Triplett, Extension agent for agriculture and natural resources, Smith County. "We had ryegrass that was planted in the fall that was thought to have been lost because of the dry weather, but we're picking it up."

Dr. Jason Banta, Extension beef cattle specialist, said "Rain has helped the drought situation in East Texas. However, pastures still need time to recover, and warm weather is needed for forage growth."

In the southeastern regions of the state, district Extension administrator Dale A. Fritz of Bryan said ponds caught water the past two weeks from the rains, but the amount needed for livestock still is low.

Likewise, rain in the Dallas area has boosted crop chances.

"Our wheat crop is in many different stages. It has a green color again, but we will need more moisture to keep it that way," noted Tony Douglas, Extension administrator in Dallas.

Opposite conditions were reported only a few counties to the west of Dallas where little if any rain fell.

"Range conditions are critical with no greening. All grasses are very dry and brittle," said Galen Chandler, Rolling Plains district Extension administrator.

Early field preparation for this year's crop has been very difficult for farmers because rain is desperately needed, according to Jett Majors, South Plains district Extension administrator.

Scattered showers in the San Angelo area were welcomed, but did not fall in amount sufficient to accumulate. Scott Durham, Extension administrator in San Angelo, noted that while much of the state focuses on the need for livestock feed, wildlife also are in need of water and food.

Even if a farmer has the ability to irrigate to overcome rain shortages, fuel prices may be prohibitive, Extension specialists said.

"The price of fuel is hurting farmers, not allowing them to irrigate crops as needed," said Brenda Rue, Extension administrator in Fort Stockton.

"Irrigation is possible thanks to nearly full reservoirs. But dryland farmers may be having second thoughts about planting at all this year," said Terry Lockamy of Weslaco, district Extension administrator.

These conditions were reported by Extension districts this week:

PANHANDLE: Temperatures were above average most of the week before dropping to much below normal by week's end. Soil moisture is rated mostly very short. Some land preparation for spring crops is in progress. Wheat crops are poor to very poor and continue to decline. Infestations of greenbug, Russian wheat aphid and brown wheat mite reported. Rangelands are mostly poor to very poor. Cattle are fair to good, but herd reduction is being considered by a few producers.

SOUTH PLAINS: Weather continues warm, dry and windy with much colder temperatures expected this weekend. Several gins are only a few days away from finishing up this cotton season, while the others anticipate completion in early March. Wheat is in poor to very poor condition. Pastures and ranges are in very poor to poor condition. Supplemental feeding of livestock continues.

ROLLING PLAINS: Conditions continue to be critically dry. Archer county reported receiving 2.5 inches of rain, which improved the area wheat crop. Recent rains in Wise County provided enough moisture for ryegrass and small grains to emerge. Stock water supplies remain low or non-existent. Most of the region is still very dry. Rain will be needed soon for farmers to make a small grain crop. Cotton is still being ginned and looks good. Some farmers are spraying for greenbugs, but applications are slowing as chances for making a crop of any kind are rapidly declining. Hay supplies are running short. Small grains have limited to zero available grazing. Livestock feeding is at an all-time high. Water tanks are low with some of the more shallow reservoirs already dry.

NORTH: Soil moisture ranges from very short to adequate. Wheat and pastures vary from very poor to good. Farmers are getting ready for planting season. Some winter pasture looks good while others are skimpy. A few producers are using winter grazing pastures. Hay is scarce. Pond levels remain low.

EAST: Up to 2 inches of rain was reported. Cool season forages are greening up and showing signs of growth due to increased moisture. Some producers are planting rye grass. Hay supplies running short for many producers, so heavy supplemental feeding continues. Conditions for cattle are fair to good.

FAR WEST: Most of the area soil moisture is short to very short. Pastures, ranges and livestock are poor to very poor overall, though isolated areas are in fair to good condition. Winter wheat is in mostly poor to very poor condition. Oats are in poor to fair condition. Above normal temperatures are being reported with little or no moisture. High fire danger is prominent in all areas.

WEST CENTRAL: Weather conditions remain very dry with unseasonably warm daytime temperatures and cool nights. Burn bans continue to be in effect in all areas. Cotton production continues and is almost complete. Very little field work is being done because of drought conditions. Range and pastures continue to decline. Most small grain fields are not being grazed due to lack of growth. Increased supplemental feeding of livestock continues, and many are hauling water due to dry stock tanks. Producers are culling herds.

CENTRAL: Most counties are still in drought. Hay is still very short. Producers are shipping hay from out of state. Dairy production is good, but feed is in short supply, and the price is higher. Some counties received rain but still much more is needed. Wildfires are still a problem. Seed that remained alive from last fall's planting is now emerging, but the odds are that these plants will not produce a viable crop.

SOUTHEAST: The weather has been extremely windy and warm, with cool nights and frost. Wheat is looking good at this point. Mosquitos are infesting due to not a very cold winter this year.

SOUTHWEST: The area remains very dry because only trace amounts of rain were received in the last seven days. Time will tell whether cool-season vegetables were damaged by a Feb. 11 freeze. Harvesting of spinach, cabbage, carrot and broccoli continues. Potatoes and onions are making good progress with frequent irrigation. Pre-irrigation and land preparation continues for corn and sorghum. Acreage is expected to be down because of high energy prices and predictions of another three to six months of warmer, drier weather.

COASTAL BEND: No measurable precipitation recorded. Drought and fire hazard continues. Wind is blowing sand from barren fields and hay pastures. Some farmers are returning corn seed to farm suppliers and wait to see if planting grain sorghum and cotton will be more viable. Cattle producers are selling more cattle as forage and hay supplies are very short.

SOUTH: Soil moisture is very short. High winds and warm temperatures with no precipitation continue. Irrigation is still very active on land to be planted to row crops, and for producers who continue to maintain cabbage, spinach, onion and carrot crops. Harvest continues on sugarcane, citrus and vegetables. The spinach and cabbage harvest continues in some areas. Range pastures are in severe drought stress and worsening. Even if some rainfall is received in the next few days, wheat and oat fields will almost be at a total loss. Dry conditions are painting a grim picture for row crop producers who are preparing to plant.