Winter wheat beginning to turn in Southern Low Plains

Dry, windy weather was experienced across many areas of Texas for the week ending April 22, according to USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, Southern Plains Regional Field Office, Texas. Precipitation in East Texas, the Upper Coast, areas of South Central Texas and the Blacklands was reported between 0.5 and 2 inches, with isolated areas receiving upwards of 3 inches. The U.S. Drought Monitor showed more area in the High and Low Plains in extreme drought to exceptional drought conditions, while areas in the Edwards Plateau reached extreme drought conditions. There were 6.3 days suitable for fieldwork.

Irrigation, where available, continued on wheat fields in the Northern High Plains. High winds and hot weather damaged wheat heads in areas of the Northern Low Plains. Winter wheat in the Southern Low Plains had begun to turn. Small grains in South Texas continued to dry out and mature.

Some cotton, sorghum and soybeans were planted in the Blacklands, but most producers were waiting for warmer temperatures to plant. High winds damaged emerged cotton in the Coastal Bend. Producers in the Lower Valley were irrigating cotton fields. Corn planting had begun in the Southern Low Plains. Corn had begun to tassel in South Texas. Some corn fields in North East Texas were damaged by feral hogs.