Source: USDA NASS | April 23, 2019

Windy conditions remained in most of the state. The Low Plains, the Southern High Plains, the Trans-Pecos and the Lower Valley received little to no precipitation. Rainfall in the rest of the state ranged from 0.5 to 3 inches, with areas in the Cross Timbers getting upwards of 5 inches. There were 5.5 days suitable for fieldwork.

Small Grains: Recent rains improved wheat condition in the Northern High Plains. Wheat was heading in the Southern Low Plains. Wheat producers in the Edwards Plateau reported damage from the previous week’s storms. Small grains in South Texas were maturing.

Row Crops: Corn planting was underway in the Northern High Plains. Corn was struggling in areas of the Cross Timber and the Blacklands due to recent cold temperatures and excessive soil moisture. Recent rains improved corn and sorghum conditions in South Central Texas, the Upper Coast and South Texas. Sorghum planting was ongoing in the Southern Low Plains. Rice planting continued in the Upper Coast but was delayed by rain in areas of South Central Texas. Cotton planting was ongoing in South Central Texas, the Coastal Bend, the Upper Coast and South Texas.

Fruit, Vegetable and Specialty Crops: Pecan producers were irrigating their trees and placing pecan nut casebearer traps in the Trans-Pecos, while nut development progressed in the Blacklands. Potatoes in South Texas were flowering. Vegetable crops in the Cross Timbers were in need of heat unit accumulation.

Livestock, Range and Pasture: Livestock condition remained mostly good to fair across the state. Strong winds damaged chicken houses and killed some livestock in South East Texas. Pasture and range condition continued benefitting from precipitation and warmer temperatures, and was rated mostly good to fair.

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