USDA Southern Plains Region Crop Progress and Condition, March 19-25, 2018

The state received little to no rainfall last week, with the highest measurable precipitation being under 0.5 of an inch in the Trans-Pecos. Extreme drought continued in the Plains, while many areas of the western, southern and central parts of the state were between moderate to severe drought conditions. There were 6.6 days suitable for fieldwork.
Small Grains: Wheat conditions have improved in the Plains due to continued irrigation and some scattered rainfall. Non-irrigated wheat across the state was in need of moisture due to the warm weather and dry soils. Some farmers in the Blacklands took advantage of dry conditions to control weeds and apply fertilizer. Irrigated wheat and oat fields in South Texas were in the heading stage.
Row Crops: Lack of moisture in the Plains slowed field work in preparation for planting cotton. Meanwhile, cotton planting continued in South Texas, the Lower Valley, the Upper Coast, and the Coastal Bend. Corn planting continued in areas where conditions allowed. Emergence of sorghum was delayed in areas of the Upper Coast due to lack of moisture.
Fruit, Vegetable and Specialty Crops: Peach producers in North East Texas expect this year’s harvest to be one of the best in a number of years. Onions, spinach and other crops were being irrigated in South Texas. Harvest of sugarcane, citrus, and vegetables continued in areas of the Lower Valley.
Livestock, Range and Pasture: Producers were providing supplemental feed daily to their livestock in some areas due to dry conditions. Pasture was rated at 63 percent fair to good condition, basically unchanged
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