March 13, 2007

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COLLEGE STATION – While recent rains have brought some relief to many areas of the state, more is needed to counter the effects of long-term drought, according to Texas Cooperative Extension reports. However, these rains, along with warmer temperatures, have provided a good foundation for row-crop planting throughout the state.

"We've gotten some good rain in the recent past, but the soil profile is still not where we'd like it to be," said Jose Pena, Extension economist in Uvalde. "Much of the rain is not penetrating down to the subsoil, and we're still at less than half of the normal long-term rainfall for this time of the year."

Corn and soybeans are now being planted in the southwest region of the state, he said, and cotton will be planted soon.

"Growers in this part of the state are planting far more corn this year – about twice as much as last year – mainly due to interest in ethanol production," Pena noted. "The price for corn is way up, so many farmers are planting more corn and less cotton this year. However, as corn prices go up, there will be a reduction in the counter-cyclical payments to these farmers as allowed by the current farm bill."

Pena said corn production for ethanol has increased nationally, with about 23 percent of the total 2006 corn crop going toward this end. Increased corn prices will have an impact on the cost of cattle production in Texas and elsewhere, he said.

"Last spring, we had record prices on most classes of cattle," he said. "And while the prices have improved slightly in the recent past, the increased demand for corn has led to higher feed costs. These costs will be a major factor in producers not realizing the same profits as they did in the spring of last year."

Pena said this year cattle producers may face increased financial risks as production costs increase and the drought lingers.

The following Extension reports were received for the past week.

PANHANDLE: Temperatures were above average, and weekend rains brought some needed moisture to the southeastern portion of the region. Rain amounts ranged from a trace to three-quarters of an inch. Land preparation continued for spring planting. Soil moisture was rated very short to adequate. Wheat was rated mostly fair to good. Weed control is being applied in some fields. Cattle are being moved off wheat that has been marked for grain harvest and graze-out. Range conditions are rated mostly fair. Cattle are in fair to good condition, and supplemental feeding continues.

SOUTH PLAINS: Warm temperatures and less wind were reported during the week. Soil moisture ranged from adequate in some locations to short in others. Field preparations continued during week, including herbicide and fertilizer applications. Winter wheat was in fair to good condition. Ranges and pastures were in poor to fair condition. Supplemental feeding of livestock continued in some areas. Most of the area received some beneficial rainfall.

ROLLING PLAINS: Some counties have received up to 2 inches of rain, but more rain is needed. Temperatures have been warmer, and pastures and wheat fields have been greening up. Some of the small grain and row-crop producers are adding fertilizer to their wheat fields. Cotton fields are being prepared and furrowed, awaiting spring planting. Spring cattle work has started on some ranches. Supplemental feeding has slowed down, and many ranchers are moving their livestock to wheat fields. Livestock is still in fair to good condition. Some prescribed burning is being done.

NORTH: Soil moisture ranged from adequate to short. Rain is needed soon to assist with crop emergence and development. Cool-season forages are beginning to suffer due to lack of rainfall. Recent high winds and lack of rainfall are concerns. Top soil moisture is diminishing. Some pond evaporation is occurring, and crops are beginning to show signs of stress. Winter wheat is in good condition. Corn planting has just begun in some areas and in others it is at about 85 percent planted. Field work is progressing. Some range and pasture conditions are fair, but the majority are in poor condition. Pastures are drying out and need moisture. Many livestock and horse owners are inquiring about planting bermudagrass this spring because of drought damage to pastures over the past two years.

EAST: Soils are drying out, but small grains, ryegrass and other winter pastures are responding well to warmer, sunny weather conditions. Cattle are keeping pastures grazed very closely. In Houston County, the number of cattle marketed has decreased due to better grazing. Prices continue to hold steady in many areas, and there have been reports that prices are up as much as $2 on some better-quality stock. Cattle conditions are good and calving continues. Supplemental feeding continues for those who still have hay, but greening pastures are providing additional nourishment. San Augustine and Tyler counties report some producers have an excess of hay on hand, with those in San Augustine County now willing to sell. Vegetable growers are preparing land and planting some crops. Houston County reports that its first watermelons are in the ground with row covers, and planting will continue through April. In Houston County, field work is being done in preparation for corn and cotton.

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 fair to good condition. Oats are in fair to good condition. Average temperatures, no rain and high wind were reported.

WEST CENTRAL: Warmer temperatures and high winds continued to dry soil. A few areas reported scattered showers, but burn bans were issued in several counties. Most small grains are showing little growth due to lack of moisture. Some farmers are starting to spray yellow herbicides. Range and pastures are showing some growth of winter grasses, but rain is needed to improve grasses and forbs. Forage has been in very short supply. Livestock are in fair condition, and supplemental feeding continued. Producers continued to sell off livestock due to shortage of rainfall and poor range conditions. Fruit trees are in bloom and pecans are nearly at bud break.

CENTRAL: Soil moisture ranges from short to very short. Soils are drying out due to warmer temperatures and high winds. Rainfall is desperately needed for corn, cotton and grain sorghum. Planting continues but under very dry conditions. Ranchers are doing substantial supplemental feeding. Winter pastures need moisture to maintain growth and development.

SOUTHEAST: Warm days and cool nights were reported. Dry weather this past week allowed farmers to prepare for planting some crops. Anticipated rains will limit field activities. Livestock are doing well. No disease or insects were reported.

SOUTHWEST: Heavy concentrated thunderstorms deposited much-needed rain, but more than half the rain ran off and caused some flooding. The soil profile remained very dry, even with the rain. The last 22-month period was the driest on record with only 20.7 inches of the total rainfall compared to a long-term average of more than 50 inches. Forage availability improved as a result of the rain and will likely continue to improve with more rain and warm weather. Corn, sorghum and potato planting is about complete, and potatoes are now up. Corn and sorghum plants have been slow in emerging. Spinach, cabbage and potatoes are making good progress under heavy irrigation. Rain will be needed soon to sustain dryland corn and sorghum. Cabbage and spinach harvesting continues.

COASTAL BEND: Cool nights and dry, windy days have depleted topsoil moisture. Corn, grain sorghum and some cotton planting are under way. Most fields have been fertilized and weed control applied. The area needs a good rain for row crops, pastures and hay fields. Cattle are in good condition.

SOUTH: Weather has improved throughout most of the region. Milo, corn and cotton are being planted. Sugarcane, vegetables and citrus are being harvested. Onion harvesting preparations continue. Grain and cotton crops should all be planted by late next week, weather permitting. Some grain has emerged in some areas, and some native range and pasture forage is showing signs of growth, breaking dormancy. However, dry conditions have delayed most warm-season forage production on pastures.