Nov. 29, 2006

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COLLEGE STATION – Following last week's unseasonably warm temperatures in most regions, the state is bracing for an arctic blast being forecasted for the end of this week.

"Even though the temperatures may be harsh, a good rain or snow will benefit the wheat crop," said Donna Brauchi, Texas Cooperative Extension district director in Amarillo.

The following are reports from Extension districts around the state:

PANHANDLE: Temperatures were above average all week, with several days at least 20 degrees above average. With no additional rain in the region, has soil moisture was rated as very short to short. Cotton and sorghum harvests continued, and peanuts, soybeans and sunflower harvests were almost complete. Wheat was rated mostly fair to good, although drought-stressed areas are showing up in dryland fields. Some fields were being irrigated. Range conditions were rated mostly fair. Fire danger was high. Cattle were in good condition. Supplemental feeding continued in most areas.

SOUTH PLAINS: Unseasonably warm temperatures, such as a high of 82 F on Nov. 22 and no rainfall allowed good progress on the harvest and ginning of cotton. Soil moisture was short to adequate. Cotton harvest was 70 percent complete; peanut harvest was nearly complete. Sorghum harvest was nearing completion. Winter wheat was in fair to good condition, while growth continued at an above-average rate. Available soil moisture was short. Pastures and ranges were in poor to fair condition. Cattle conditions were mostly good with supplemental feeding occurring.

ROLLING PLAINS: Winter grazing on cool season annuals was good. Most eastern counties in the district still need rain. Soil moisture is starting to fade quickly, and the area is in desperate need of moisture for both the soil profile and to replenish tanks. Livestock are in fair to good condition. Supplemental feeding continued. Livestock conditions are good heading into the colder months, with large numbers of yearlings turned in on winter wheat crops. Pecan harvest is expected to start soon.

NORTH: Soil moisture ranged from very short to adequate. With warm temperatures and dry weather this week, crops and pastures were doing well, but more rain is needed. Oat planting and the sorghum and cotton harvests were completed. The pecan crop was 50 percent to 90 percent harvested, and quality seemed good. Producers were still being affected by drought, and low pond water levels were a major concern.

EAST: Temperatures dropped below freezing on several occasions, with the first frost on on Nov. 17 and the first freeze on Nov. 21. Daytime temperatures were in the 60s F, with no significant rainfall. High winds from a passing front toppled a few trees, but no significant structural losses were reported. Crop conditions were poor. Producers were cutting hay to get final bales. Winter forages were planted. Cattle and horse owners were giving supplemental feed to their animals. Strong winds and sunny conditions reduced top soil moisture, and rainfall was needed for winter pasture growth. Livestock condition remained mostly fair to good. Fall calving began. Cattle prices have declined in recent weeks.

FAR WEST: Soil moisture ranged from very short to adequate, and range and pastures were in very poor to excellent condition. Cotton was in poor to good condition as harvest continued. Oats were in fair to good condition, and winter wheat was in very poor to good condition. No rain fell this week.

WEST CENTRAL: Unseasonably warm temperatures continued through the week, and no rain was reported. Warm, windy conditions continued to dry out soil. Producers continued to harvest crops. Small grains have emerged but were in desperate need of moisture. Cotton harvest continued. Winter forages were slowing in growth due to lack of moisture. Livestock remained in fair to good condition in most areas. Supplemental feeding of livestock continued. Some ranchers have begun hauling water. Pecan harvest was wrapping up early due to a short crop.

CENTRAL: Most of the area still needs rain, especially small grains fields planted for winter grazing. Livestock water supplies continued to decline. Livestock herds were given supplemental feed as grazing conditions declined.

SOUTHEAST: Although the mild daytime temperatures with cool mornings were a pleasant change, no rain fell. The first frost, with temperatures down to 28 F slowed yearly growth in permanent pastures. Winter pastures need rain. The pecan crop was almost a total loss due to drought and crows and squirrels. The last hay was baled, with only half of the normal yields. Dry weather slowed the winter wheat and oat crops. Some farmers began preparations for spring planting. The ratoon rice harvest was completed. Winter pastures have been planted. Wheat has been replanted in some cases and looks good. Livestock are faring well.

SOUTHWEST: A large portion of the region has been completely dry since Oct. 25. Year-to-date cumulative rainfall was less than 29 percent of the long-term average. Forage availability was extremely short. Stock tanks were dry in the more southern part of the district. Numbers of roadside fires increased, and the rate of wildlife killed by traffic was up due to their feeding on roadside forage. The peanut and cabbage harvests continued. Peanut yields were down. Some pickling cucumbers were harvested. Spinach and green beans were growing well under heavy irrigation. Hunting season was dominating rancher and rural activity.

COASTAL BEND: Temperatures were near normal with no rainfall reported. Northern counties of the region received the first killing frost. Soil moisture continued to be short. Some fields were cultivated and fertilized. Some canola was planted in dry soil and needs rain to germinate. Dry conditions have caused pastures to deteriorate and slowed the establishment of winter pastures. Hay feeding for livestock was increasing.

SOUTH: Mild temperatures and short to adequate soil moisture continued throughout most of the region. Extremely dry conditions in some areas caused problems for dryland wheat, oat and winter rye producers. Cabbage, onion and spinach fields were heavily irrigated. Early-planted cabbage harvest began this week, and the harvest of spinach and fall sorghum was expected to begin soon. Sugarcane and citrus harvesting continued. Most winter vegetable crops were progressing well. Improved pastures were showing signs of maturity and dormancy, and hay baling slowed.