Cotton planting begins in High Plains and Blacklands

Average temperatures increased from the previous week in most parts of the state for the week ending May 6, according to USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, Southern Plains Regional Field Office, Texas. Storms caused some wind and hail damage, but also brought much-needed moisture. The Trans-Pecos and the High Plains got little to no precipitation, but the rest of the state received between 0.2 and 3 inches, with isolated areas reporting upwards of 4.5 inches. There were 6.1 days suitable for fieldwork.

Winter wheat in the Plains remained in poor condition. Producers in the Cross Timbers and areas of the Blacklands were cutting and baling small grains in some areas. Wheat was turning in the Blacklands. Rust has been seen in some wheat in South Central Texas. Wheat harvest continued in areas of South Texas.

Cotton planting started in areas of the High Plains and the Blacklands. Pima cotton has emerged in the Tans-Pecos. Replanting of cotton continued in the Upper Coast. Areas of the Upper Coast and the Lower Valley were in need of moisture and heat units in order to promote cotton development. Corn in South Texas had reached the silking stage. Thanks to the recent rains, corn and sorghum conditions improved in the Blacklands and the Upper Coast. Sorghum planting continued in the Edwards Plateau.