Source: USDA NASS Texas Field Office| April 7, 2019
Most of the state experienced warmer temperatures last week. Windy conditions combined with warmer daytime temperatures, caused an overall loss of topsoil moisture. The High Plains and the Trans-Pecos received little to no precipitations, while rainfall in the rest of the state ranged from 0.2 to 3 inches, with areas in the Blacklands and South Central Texas getting upwards of 5 inches. Hail was reported in the Northern High Plains and South Central Texas. Growers were assessing crops for damage. There were 6.2 days suitable for fieldwork.
Small Grains: Wheat conditions in the Northern High Plains improved due to timely rain, but some areas of the Northern Low Plains were still in need of moisture. Wheat was heading in the Southern Plains. Small grains kept progressing in the Cross Timbers, the Blacklands, the Edwards Plateau, South Texas and the Lower Valley. Wheat irrigation was active in South Texas.
Row Crops: Cotton planting was ongoing in the Blacklands, South Texas, the Lower Valley, the Upper Coast, the Coastal Bend and South Central Texas. Corn planting was nearing completion in the Southern Low Plains, the Cross Timbers and the Blacklands. Corn and sorghum progress was somewhat delayed by cool nighttime temperatures in areas of the Edwards Plateau. Rice planting was delayed in the Upper Coast due to excessive soil moisture.
Fruit, Vegetable and Specialty Crops: Watermelons and vegetables were being planted in the Cross Timbers. Spinach harvest was completed, while cabbage harvest continued in South Texas. Pecan trees were budding in the Cross Timbers, the Edwards Plateau and the Southern High Plains.
Livestock, Range and Pasture: Livestock condition across the state was mostly good to fair. Use of supplemental feed dropped from the previous week. Pasture and range condition benefited from precipitation and warmer temperatures, and was rated mostly fair to good.
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