March 29, 2006

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COLLEGE STATION – Almost all of Texas played host to rain – and some snow – and the state's producers are keeping their welcome mats out for more moisture, according to Texas Cooperative Extension reports.

"Weekend rains up to 2 inches and light snow were welcomed," said Dr. Bob Robinson, Extension district administrator in Amarillo. "And fire danger continues to be high despite the rain."

Extension county agents and district officials noted from 2 to 10 inches of rain fell in the northern half of the state, and reports of moisture elsewhere was spotty. Where rain fell, however measurable, noticeable changes were reported.

"Wide-spread rains have given new life to rangeland, pastures and growing wheat," said Galen Chandler, Extension district administrator in Vernon.

Chandler said rainwater runoff put some water into stock tanks though most remain less than half full.

"Cold temperatures, a light freeze and up to 10 inches of rain were received in this area," said Tony Douglas, Extension district administrator in Dallas. "Stock tanks and other lakes received adequate runoff to bring levels up considerably."

Up to 5 inches of rain fell around the Tyler area, bringing soil moisture and stock pond levels back to normal, according to Extension reports there.

"A heavy frost occurred late in the week. The extent of crop injury is unknown for now," said Scott Durham, Extension district administrator in San Angelo.

Most cattle raisers in Texas continue to supply feed to their herd since not enough hay is available.

The following conditions were reported by Extension districts this week:

PANHANDLE: Temperatures were below average. The much-needed moisture temporarily halted spring field preparation activities. Soil moisture is rated mostly short to very short. Wheat is mostly fair to very poor. Rangeland conditions are mostly poor to very poor. More will be needed as the crop responds to warm temperatures and begins to grow. Weevil, cowpea aphid and pea aphid infestations are reported in area alfalfa. Cattle condition is fair to good.

SOUTH PLAINS: A cold front dropped temperatures to below freezing, and northern counties received up to 2 inches of snow. Enough moisture has been received in most counties to allow producers to work the land. Wheat, which is in very poor condition, responded to the rainfall, but the moisture has arrived too late to be of much help improving yield potential. Pastures and ranges are in poor to very poor condition.

ROLLING PLAINS: The wheat has started to grow and began to head out. Up to 4 inches of rain and some snow have been reported. The area had temperatures below 32 F, but the freeze was not hard enough to hurt the wheat. Producers are preparing for planting. Recent rains should help decrease the hazard of fires. Cattle are in poor to good condition.

NORTH: Soil moisture ranged from adequate to surplus, and the wet conditions slowed most planting. Corn was 90 percent planted with 80 percent of the crop emerged. Wheat conditions ranged from poor to excellent. More than 50 percent of cotton, sorghum and soybeans have been planted. Winter pastures continued to improve, and ranchers began letting their cattle graze. Peach trees were in bloom, and producers were concerned about possible freeze damage to buds.

EAST: Permanent grasses, winter pastures began to grow with warmer weather, but cold temperatures and overcast skies have stalled growth. Cattle are in fair to good condition. Horn flies on cattle are already a big problem in some areas. Vegetables are being planted.

FAR WEST: Soil moisture ranges from very short to short. Ranges and pastures are in fair-to-very-poor condition. Winter wheat and oats vary from fair to very poor. Widely scattered showers brought precipitation, up to 2.5 inches, and hail.

WEST CENTRAL: Much cooler temperatures came with high winds. Rain fell in all areas, boosting soil moisture. Small grains have emerged in some areas. Yields are expected to be very low, but should provide some grazing. Increased field preparations for spring planting will be under way as the land dries out. Ranges and pastures are improving and greening up with recent rains. Livestock are in fair condition. Pecan trees are starting to bud out.

CENTRAL: Most of the counties received rain. Freezing temperatures caused concerns of crop injury on corn and sorghum. Spring calving continues and calves are growing. Cow condition is lagging with long drought and inadequate supplementation. Corn planting is progressing.

SOUTHEAST: Measurable rainfall continues to fall weekly, and that is helping with preparation for hay production. The grass is starting to turn green and grow. Corn, sorghum and rice planting have been active. Pasture conditions are poor overall.

SOUTHWEST: The region remains very dry. The recent cool spell with early morning temperatures in the low-to-mid 30s F helped conserve moisture. It is too early to estimate, but the cold spell may affect some peaches that were blooming in the Fredericksburg area. Corn and sorghum, under irrigation, are up to good stands. Fields of watermelons, cantaloupes and cotton have been planted. The cold weather slowed cotton planting. Forage availability remains below average. Corn and sorghum plantings, under dryland conditions, are way down due to the dry spell.

COASTAL BEND: The severe drought situation continues. Some below normal temperatures and high winds, which deplete top soil moisture, were reported. A few producers are dry-planting cotton, corn and grain sorghum. Cold temperatures have slowed crop growth.

SOUTH: Soil moisture conditions are very dry with limited moisture. Cool temperatures were prevalent. Harvest of sugarcane, vegetables and citrus continues, and harvest of spring onions is well under way. Planting of cotton has hit peak activity. Some area ranchers received little moisture of about 0.2 inch – not enough to improve very poor rangeland conditions.