Winter wheat in many areas is being grazed or baled

Weather was mostly dry and warm across the state for the week ending April 13, according to USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, Southern Plains Regional Field Office, Texas. Most of the state had no measurable rainfall, but the Trans-Pecos and the Low Plains received from trace amounts up to 1 inch of rain, with isolated areas getting upwards of 2 inches. There were 6.7 days suitable for fieldwork.

Winter wheat in many areas of the High Plains and the Northern Low Plains was being grazed, baled or used as a cover crop for cotton. Recent rainfall improved wheat condition in the Southern Low Plains. Wheat was turning in the Cross Timbers, the Blacklands and areas of the Southern Low Plains. Producers in the southern and central parts of the state expected to start harvesting small grains later this week.

Cotton planting was ongoing in the High Plains. Some farmers were planting cotton in the Low Plains, but most expected to start planting in the upcoming weeks. Producers in the Edwards Plateau were preparing to plant cotton. Meanwhile, cotton was irrigated in South Texas and the Lower Valley. Corn planting was active in the Northern High Plains. Producers in the Upper Coast, South Texas and the Lower Valley were irrigating corn fields. Sorghum was emerging in the Edwards Plateau and was heading in South Texas.