Feb. 27, 2007

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COLLEGE STATION – Warmer temperatures, accompanied by signs of spring, blanketed most of the state this week, according to Texas Cooperative Extension officials.

Winter annual grasses were almost bursting in growth across the southeastern part of Texas, Extension agents reported, and many trees that were budding prior to the recent hard freeze periods were not showing damage yet.

The drier weather is much needed in the area, according to Dale Fritz, Extension director in Bryan, because farmers need to get into fields to prepare for spring planting.

Here are reports from Extension district offices around the state:

PANHANDLE: Temperatures were above average. Light snow and rain fell with amounts generally less than one-tenth inch. Windy conditions caused soil erosion and increased fire danger. Land preparation for spring planting was active. Soil moisture was mostly adequate to surplus. Cotton ginning continues. Wheat is rated fair to good with excellent moisture. Range conditions vary from very poor to excellent. Cattle are in fair to good condition. Heavy lice infestations were reported in some herds. Supplemental feeding continued.

SOUTH PLAINS: Soil moisture is adequate. After a spell of warm temperatures, a cold front brought winds with gusts to more than 70 mph. Winter wheat is in fair condition, but high winds are depleting moisture. Ranges and pastures are in fair condition. Supplemental feeding of livestock continues in many areas. Spring field preparation has begun.

ROLLING PLAINS: Windy conditions dried out topsoil and increased the need for rain all across the region. With cold nights and warming days, winter wheat grew well. Wheat grazing has been minimal but has improved somewhat with warm temperatures. Winter annuals are greening up in most pastures. Farmers are preparing to plant coastal or other hybrid Bermuda grasses. Hay supplies are very short. Livestock are in fair to good condition. Peaches are still dormant, but the necessary amount of chilling hours appears to have been sufficient for this year's production.

NORTH: Soil moisture is mostly adequate. As the soil dries out on top, some spring planting will begin. Grain producers are getting fields ready, and corn planting will begin very soon. With warm weather, sunshine and the promise of rain in the forecast, the fertilizer applicators have begun. The winter crops are maturing slowly. Wheat is in good condition. Livestock are in fair condition, and feeding continues. Sweet potato growers have started preparing land.

EAST: Onions and potatoes are being planted. Peach growers are finishing pruning and applying dormant oil. Beef and forage producers are sprigging coastal and other hybrid Bermuda grasses. Hay supplies are weak. Winter pastures are growing better due to warmer temperatures. Cattle are foraging. Some spring grasses are starting to grow. Some producers have started to fertilize ryegrass. Spring calving continues.

FAR WEST: Soil moisture ranges from very short to adequate, and crops and pastures are in very poor to good condition. Winter wheat is in very poor to excellent condition. Oats are in poor to fair condition. Warmer temperatures accompanied by high winds gusting to more than 60 mph. High winds are causing soil to dry more. Supplemental feeding continues.

WEST CENTRAL: With warmer temperatures, high winds and little or no rainfall, wildfires have been noted. Dry and windy conditions are depleting soil moisture. In some areas, wheat pastures are responding well to recent moisture. Crops are maturing on schedule. Surface water continues to dry up. Hay supplies are very short. Livestock remain in fair condition. Supplemental feeding continues. Cows are calving. Some livestock culling continues. Pecan trees are being treated with dormant oil, and fruit orchards are being pruned.

CENTRAL: Windy conditions are drying out the top soil moisture. Cattle conditions continue to decline. Producers are still feeding hay to cattle because of poor pasture conditions. Stock tank levels still low. Corn producers have begun planting.

SOUTHEAST: Warmer weather is promoting winter annuals growth. Many trees were budding out last week prior to the hard freeze periods. Damage is not evident yet. The drier weather was much needed in the area. Cattle are still looking rough, but the sun and drier, warmer weather are helping improve their condition. Excess moisture is still limiting farmers' access to fields. Rainy weather continued to delay the spring planting preparation. Limited hay sales continue. Livestock are fairing well even though the weather has not been the best.

SOUTHWEST: The soil profile is dry. Forage availability improved because of an early January rain, and fields are ready for corn, cotton and sorghum planting. The potato crop is up to a good stands under irrigation. Cabbage, spinach and carrot harvests continues.

COASTAL BEND: Field activity picked up with fertilization and the beginning of corn and grain sorghum planting. Rice producers are making final field preparations, and levies are being formed in most fields to enable planting soon. Warm, sunny days and slightly cool nights have encouraged growth of cool season grasses and legumes. Cattle are in good condition with grasses becoming more available and supplemental feeding continuing where needed.

SOUTH: Conditions in eastern parts of the region were mild with no rain or precipitation, while the western parts had warm weather. Some plants went into a dormancy stage as a result of previous cold weather. Row crop planting has been very active. Sugarcane, citrus and vegetables are being harvested. Pasture conditions are fair to poor with limited forage availability for grazing.