In the PANHANDLE region, temperatures were below average. Single digit and below zero temperatures were recorded over several days early in the week. Heavy snow occurred over the weekend, with accumulations ranging from 5-12 inches. Field activities are on hold until snow melts and drier conditions prevail. Soil moisture is rated mostly adequate to surplus. A few cotton fields remain to be harvested, but recent moisture has caused harvest delays and reduced quality. Wheat is rated mostly fair to good. Cattle are in fair to good condition but supplemental feeding continues.
In the SOUTH PLAINS region, soil moisture was reported as "adequate" by Extension agents. A strong storm late in the week brought frigid temperatures and freezing rain and sleet. Snow fell over the weekend, dropping 2 to 8 inches, and halted field operations. Wheat is in fair to good condition. Pastures and ranges are in poor to fair condition. Cattle are mostly in good condition, but being supplementally fed
IN THE ROLLING PLAINS, cold weather and rain, sleet and snow combined to give the Rolling Plains a taste of winter. The cold blast accelerated supplemental feeding and brought new concerns regarding hay supplies for the remainder of winter. El Niño continues to produce adequate rainfall/sleet, replenishing soil moisture supplies and stock water. The winter wheat crop looks good, some producers expect a great crop. Livestock on wheat appear to be doing well.
In the NORTH, the soil moisture profile has improved greatly, ranging from adequate to surplus. Accumulations of freezing rain, sleet and snow have been from 4 to 11 inches. The cold temperatures and precipitation have made it hard for all livestock, and they are starting to show signs or stress. Fields have become soggy, and supplemental hay feeding has been high. Winter wheat ranges from fair to good condition at this time. Cotton is all harvested and pecans are nearly all harvested.
In EASTERN Texas, the story was cold weather and rain, which has been good for soil moisture and pond water. Several counties reported difficulty getting around in pastures, and conditions were too wet for winter grazing. Conditions were stressful for livestock, and hay supplies are getting short. Calving continues. Some livestock auctions barns did not sell this week due to weather. Rainfall ranged from 5-9 inches in Shelby County to 12-14 inches in Marion County. Flooding was a problem in some areas.
In FAR WEST Texas, soil moisture ranges from very short to adequate, and crops, including winter wheat and pastures, are in very poor to good condition. Oats are in fair to good condition. This past week brought wintry weather with plenty of snow, sleet, rain and freezing rain across the district. The temperatures were much cooler, with highs ranging from 20-40 degrees Fahrenheit. Snow accumulations of 4-6 inches occurred, with as much as 8 inches in the higher elevations. Producers are supplemental feeding even more now, due to the weather conditions.
WEST CENTRAL: Cold weather set in for most of the week. Temperatures stayed below freezing for five consecutive days. Winter ice and snow storms hit most areas bringing all agricultural activity to a stop. Soil moisture is increasing with the ice and snow received. Most crops will benefit from the moisture when the weather warms up. Livestock are in fair condition. Supplemental feeding continues.
In the CENTRAL part of the state, soil moisture ranges from short to adequate across the district. The snow, rain and ice have made livestock feeding difficult, but the added moisture was great. Small grains and pastures are showing some growth.
In the SOUTHEAST, more rain fell this week, and cold weather moved in; the high temperatures stayed all week in the low 40s, with lows down to 33 degrees F. Three weeks of rain have left pasture conditions weak due to standing water. Hay feeding is heavy and the supply is low. Winter pastures are fair, but warm weather and sunlight are needed to encourage grass growth. Excess rain has delayed spring crop preparations. Rains have waterlogged soils, and there is little growth of winter pastures. No disease or insect damage has been reported.
The SOUTHWEST received the first significant rainfall since mid-October, recording more than 1 inch this week. While the cumulative rainfall total of one and three-quarters (1-3/4) inches this month is above the long-term average for January, the soil profile remains very dry. The recent rainfall will make spring planting possible, but crops and forage production will not be sustained unless additional rainfall is received. The potential impact of last week’s hard freeze remains undetermined, but major damage is not expected. Ice and wet fields delayed harvest.
SOUTH: Winter cold conditions with a light drizzle throughout the region delayed spinach and cabbage harvesting all week. Producers have not reported their crops to be adversely affected by the arctic freeze, but there was some wind damage. Harvesting of citrus, sugarcane and other winter vegetables continued throughout the week. Wet conditions have stimulated cool-season forage and vegetation production. Some livestock producers have continued supplemental feeding.
For Texas Cooperative Extension, I'm Robert Burns, reporting from East Texas. -END-