Dryland Plains cotton in mostly poor condition

Hot conditions continued across the state during the week ending Aug. 5, according to USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, Southern Plains Regional Field Office, Texas. High temperatures in the triple digits were experienced in many areas of the state. Areas of the Upper Coast, the Coastal Bend and South East Texas received between 0.5 and 2.0 inches of rain, with isolated areas getting upwards of 5.0 inches. Also, areas of the Trans-Pecos, the Edwards Plateau and the Southern Low Plains received precipitation ranging from 0.5 to 1.0 inch. There were 6.6 days suitable for fieldwork.

Small grain producers in the High Plains, the Cross Timbers and the Blacklands were preparing their fields for fall seeding.

Dryland cotton in the Plains remained in mostly poor condition, while irrigated cotton was progressing well and setting bolls. Cotton harvest continued in the Coastal Bend, South Texas and the Lower Valley. Cotton producers were spraying defoliant in areas of the Blacklands and the Upper Coast. Corn and sorghum harvest got underway in South East Texas and continued in the Blacklands, South Central Texas, the Upper Coast and South Texas. Rice harvest was in full swing in South Central Texas and the Upper Coast.

Cantaloupes, watermelons, and pecans were being irrigated in South Texas. Reports were received of pecan nut casebearer causing harm to pecan trees in the Trans-Pecos.