Texas pastures, wheat need more rainfall
Coastal Bend area experiences cooler than normal temperatures and light showers

Some moisture fell over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend across the state, but more is needed for pastures and wheat crops and to abate the threat of wildfires, according to Texas Cooperative Extension reports from around the state.

From far West Texas to the Panhandle and Rolling Plains, the wildfire danger is still high, said Extension officials.

The limited moisture also is causing havoc with the wheat crop, which in many places is considered worse than normal, said Dr. Brent Bean, Extension agronomist in Amarillo.

"The bottom line is it is dry," Bean said. "We're certainly not off to the great start we had last year."

With spotty stands or stands that haven't emerged in dryland fields, he said, grazing will be lacking this winter.

"But there's still plenty of time to make a wheat crop," Bean said. "Wheat is made in the spring."

The following condition reports are from Extension offi- cials:

CENTRAL: Moisture is short to adequate. Rain received over the weekend will encourage some small grain planting.

Winter wheat and oats are behind schedule due to limited moisture.

The pecan harvest is near completion. Yields have been good, but the overall quality is less than expected.

A late-season drought and early diseases have taken a toll on much of the crop.

Supplemental feeding of cattle is in full swing.

COASTAL BEND: Belownormal temperatures occurred late in the week with some light rainfall.

Very little tillage is occurring on cropland due to the high cost of fuel.

Spot treatments with herbicide spray are being used to control weeds and volunteer plants.

The quality of permanent pastures is declining due to dry weather and frost in the northern portion of the reporting area.

Cattle are in good to average condition.

EAST: A cold front moved into East Texas, dropping temperatures into the 30s F.

Up to 4 inches of slow, steady rain fell, bringing much needed relief to winter pastures.

Winter feeding of hay is increasing.

Cattle markets remain steady; however, prices for lightweight and unthrifty calves are weaker.

The pecan harvest is very good in Henderson County. Rainfall has increased water levels in local ponds and streams and has also helped alleviate the threat of wildfires.

SOUTH: Colder temperatures in most parts of the region provided better growing conditions for spinach and cabbage crops, which were already in critical stages.

Dryland producers are waiting for some kind of precipitation to get wheat, oats and rye germinated and growing.

Above-average temperatures and dry conditions have not done much to stimulate growth of cool-season plants in native range and pastures.

In the middle parts of the region, harvesting of citrus and vegetables continues.

Supplemental feeding of livestock has increased.

SOUTHEAST: Rains over the holiday weekend provided much-needed moisture to winter annuals.

Most fields have emerged and growth should start soon. About 1 inch of rain fell in some areas. This will help the ryegrass that was planted earlier.

The wheat looks good in general. Some is better than the rest.

Hay feeding has begun. Some of the producers are short of hay as the feeding period begins. Some ratoon rice is still left for harvest.

WEST CENTRAL: The first freeze of the season came.

Rain was reported in many areas.

All counties are in need of moisture. Burn bans have been put in place.

The cotton harvest continues with good yields and grades. Field preparation for fall planting continues.

Fall season plants and crops are suffering from drastic temperature changes and lack of moisture.

Sorghum crops are doing very well in some areas. Ranges and pastures continue to decline.

Supplemental feeding is increasing.

Livestock remain in fair to good condition. Pecan harvest continues.