Source: USDA NASS | May 7, 2019
A strong storm system affected East Texas, the Blacklands, the Cross Timbers and parts of the Low Plains, South Central Texas and the Edwards Plateau. Precipitation in those areas ranged from 1 to 3 inches, with isolated areas getting upwards of 5 inches of rain. Hail damage and floods were reported in the Southern Low Plains, the Cross Timbers, the Blacklands and East Texas. Rainfall in the rest of the state ranged from traces amounts up to 1 inch. There were 5.1 days suitable for fieldwork.
Small Grains: Small grains continued to progress state-wide. Wheat leaf rust was reported in areas of the Northern Low Plains and black chaff was reported in areas of the Blacklands. Producers in the Blacklands and the Edwards Plateau were still assessing the damage cause by hail that occurred in the previous weeks.
Row Crops: Wet conditions delayed the start of cotton planting in the Blacklands. Producers in the Trans-Pecos, South Texas and the Coastal Bend continued planting cotton. Corn planting was ongoing in the High Plains. Some sorghum remained to be planted in the Blacklands, South Texas and the Southern Low Plains. Emerged corn and sorghum were progressing in most areas of the state.
Fruit, Vegetable and Specialty Crops: Watermelons were being planted in the Southern High Plains. Vegetable plantings were almost complete in South Texas, while development of onions continued. Pecan trees were fully leafed out in the Southern High Plains. Pecan producers in the Trans-Pecos and the Edwards Plateau were irrigating trees and placing nut casebearer traps.
Livestock, Range and Pasture: Livestock condition remained mostly good to fair across the state. Flies were stressing cattle in areas of the Blacklands, the Edwards Plateau and East Texas. Wild hog damage was on the rise in South East Texas. Pasture and range condition continued to benefit from precipitation and warmer temperatures, and was rated mostly good to fair.