Hail and strong winds damage crops in the Blacklands

A cold front hit Texas late in the week ending April 8, bringing freezing temperatures to areas in the Northern and Southern Plains, according to USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, Southern Plains Regional Field Office, Texas. The western part of the state had a very dry week, while the Blacklands, East Texas, the Upper Coast, the Coastal Bend, the Lower Valley and parts of South Central Texas received between 0.5 to 2 inches of rain. Hail and strong winds damaged several crops in the Blacklands, including wheat, oats, corn and sorghum. There were 6.1 days suitable for fieldwork.

Many operators grazed their dry land wheat fields in the Plains, while those with irrigation were watering their fields. Cold temperatures late in the week caused more concerns with small grains producers. Headed wheat in the Southern Low Plains showed signs of water stress. Wheat was improving in the Blacklands and East Texas and was turning color in South Texas. Wheat and oats were still struggling in the Edwards Plateau.

Cotton planting continued in South Texas, the Upper Coast, South Central Texas, and the Blacklands. Corn emerged in East Texas and the Edwards Plateau. Operators were irrigating corn in the Lower Valley. Planting of sorghum was in full swing in South Texas, while rice planting continued in the Upper Coast.