Winter wheat still in need of moisture

Cooler temperatures were experienced across the state for the week ending April 1, according to USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, Southern Plains Regional Field Office, Texas. The Trans-Pecos, the Northern High Plains and areas of the Edwards Plateau received little to no rain, but the rest of the state received between 0.5 and 3 inches of rain. Areas of East Texas, South Central Texas and the Upper Coast received upwards to 6 inches of rain. There were 4.7 days suitable for fieldwork.

Winter wheat in the High Plains was still in need of moisture. Several fields in the Northern Low Plains were abandoned due to the low projected production, but the fields that remained were improving thanks to the recent rains. Wheat conditions were improving in the Cross Timbers, Blacklands and the Edwards Plateau. Rust was spreading in wheat and oats in areas of South Texas. Oats conditions were improving in the Blacklands and the Trans Pecos.

Cotton producers in some areas of the Northern High Plains were undecided about planting cotton this year due to the shortage of soil moisture. Cotton field preparations were ongoing in the Low Plains, the Edwards Plateau, the Trans-Pecos and South Central Texas. Corn was emerging in the Blacklands. Rice planting was underway in the Upper Coast.

Pecans were budding in the Edwards Plateau and the Lower Valley. Planting of watermelons, cantaloupes, and onions was completed in South Texas. Spinach harvest in the Lower Valley was almost complete.