Recent rains help wheat, oat conditions

Light scattered showers were observed across the state for the week ending March 18, according to USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, Southern Plains Regional Field Office, Texas. Precipitation in areas of the Cross Timbers, Blacklands, and East Texas ranged from 0.1 to 1.5 inches, with isolated areas in the Blacklands reaching upwards of 2.0 inches.

Recent rains have aided wheat and oat conditions in areas of the Cross Timbers and the Blacklands. Meanwhile, wheat producers continue irrigating in areas of the High Plains due to little to no precipitation.

Fieldwork in preparation for cotton and sorghum planting continued in areas of the Edwards Plateau. Early planted corn had just begun to emerge in the Upper Coast and South Central Texas. While cotton, corn, and sorghum planting was underway in areas of the Upper Coast.

Vegetable producers have begun planting in areas of the North East Texas. Weather condition have favored development of vegetables in South Texas. Harvest continued for sugarcane, citrus, and vegetables in areas of the Lower Valley.

Livestock were mostly in good condition as the need to provide supplemental feeding decreased, but livestock producers in areas of the Northern Low Plains and South Texas continued to supplement pastures. Pasture conditions are mostly fair to good throughout the state. Wild hogs were active in areas of the Blacklands and North East Texas. Meanwhile stock tank water levels dropped in areas of the Blacklands.