All row crops depend on weather, cotton no exception

It's a given that the success of row crops hinges on the weather.

Cotton is no exception, and though there's been some ups and downs, cotton fields in many areas are poised to make good to excellent yields, according to reports from Texas Cooperative Extension agents throughout the state.

With the outcome riding on the weather, Boman is cautious, as are some Extension agents.

"(But) we will need a good remainder of September and good October to properly finish many fields," Boman said.

The following are compiled reports from Extension agents and specialists across the state:

EAST: Cooler temperatures came, but there was rainfall to relieve the dry conditions in most counties.

Hay harvest continued, with quality improving. Armyworms continued to be a problem in some hay pastures. Cattle were in good to excellent condition, though horn flies were reported. The weaning and selling of heavier calves and cull cows continued.

Anderson County reported a loss of two-thirds of the cotton crop to water damage and a loss of corn crops to feral hogs.

Dry conditions affected home lawns.

There were reports of fall webworms in pecan and other hardwood trees, as well as bark lice and their webs, covering ornamentals and shade trees in Nacogdoches County.

FAR WEST: Cotton field conditions ranged from poor to excellent, with 100 percent of bolls set and 15 percent open. More heat is needed to mature cotton bolls. Peanuts ranged from poor to excellent, with 50 percent pegging. Sorghum was at 100 percent coloring, with nearly 40 percent already harvested.

Oats were 30 percent planted. Pecans have matured to near harvest stage. Some counties received from 2 to 3 inches of rain.

Rangelands were in poor to excellent shape, with most of them being in good to excellent condition going into the fall. Most herds were in good shape, with some working of livestock being put off until October.

CENTRAL: Pecan Scab continued to affect some plantations. Heavy pecan nut load caused limb breakage. Hay baling continued with good quantity and quality. Fields were being prepared and planted for winter food plots for wildlife and livestock. Cotton harvest will begin soon. Beef cattle were in good condition.

SOUTHEAST: Armyworms continued to be a problem across the area. Hay harvest activity slowed. A lot of poor quality hay was put up and many producers have "called it quits" for this season. Dry weather has allowed rice harvesting. Some soybean rust was found on older soybean plants. Producers were about to begin planting winter pastures. Livestock were doing fine. Tropical Storm Humberto did little damage but brought a lot of rain to some counties.

SOUTHWEST: The recent open, cooler weather helped fall crops make use of the excellent moisture conditions. Yearto date cumulative rainfall is about 150 percent of the longterm average. Peanuts continued to make good progress. Green beans and cabbage were also making good progress, and farmers were bailing hay. Forage availability remained above average. The cotton harvest is late. Pecan harvest should start in about two weeks. Urban areas were experiencing an infestation of crickets, especially stores with bright night lights. Some farm fields were heavily infested with fall armyworms. Ranchers were busy with hunting activities, especially during weekends, as the bird season opened in early September.

COASTAL BEND: Most areas did not receive any significant rainfall this week. However, areas that did receive rain saw continued deterioration of the cotton and soybean crop. Most growers were looking for any way to harvest; drier conditions allowed some cotton to be harvested. Pasture conditions are excellent. Dry days were improving muddy conditions that have caused problems for cattle.

SOUTH: All counties in the region reported adequate soil moisture. Wet conditions kept some cotton fields from being plowed on time. Nearly all cotton harvesting was put on hold because of rain.

Producers were actively defoliating cotton fields in the western parts of the region. Also in the western parts of the region this week, oat planting activities began. Range and pasture conditions continued to be excellent.

Plenty of rain has meant little need for supplemental feeding of cattle, and is expected to continue to do so well into the winter months. This moisture will also provide a good stand of cool-season vegetation as well.