Rains delay winter wheat seeding and cotton harvest (Texas)

Late in the week ending Oct. 14 a cold front hit Texas, bringing below freezing temperatures to areas of the Northern High Plains, according to USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, Southern Plains Regional Field Office, Texas. Precipitation levels varied across the state. The highest rainfall totals were reported in East Texas, the Blacklands, the Cross Timbers, South Central Texas and the Edwards Plateau, ranging between 2 and 8 inches, with isolated areas reporting upwards of 10 inches. There were 4.0 days suitable for fieldwork.

Recent rains delayed winter wheat seedings in many parts of the state. Early planted small grains were progressing very well in the Southern High Plains. Armyworms continued to be an issue across the state.

Cool weather in the Northern High Plains had cotton producers concerned with a possible drop in lint quality. Cotton harvest was ongoing in areas of South Texas and the Upper Coast, but remained stalled in many other areas of the state due to excess rainfall. Peanut harvest progressed in South Texas.

Walnut caterpillar infestations were affecting pecans in the Cross Timbers, while harvest had been halted by the weather. Pecan harvest was underway in the Trans-Pecos, South Central Texas and South Texas. Spinach, cabbage and onion planting continued, while watermelon and cantaloupe harvest neared completion in South Texas. Sugarcane and citrus harvest was underway in the Lower Valley.