Daily News Update, Jan. 9, 2008

Texas crop and weather report, 1-7-08

Agricultural Summary
Fluctuating temperatures were evident with below freezing temperatures earlier in the week and temperatures in the upper 70s near the end of the week. Small grains continued to struggle due to lack of rainfall.

Cotton harvest neared completion in the Panhandle. Pecan harvest was completed in the Blacklands. Citrus and vegetable harvest continued in the Lower Valley.

Soil moisture was mostly short to adequate across the state. Very little rainfall was observed across the state. South East Texas and Cross Timbers received zero to 0.10 inches of rain. The rest of the state observed no rainfall. Supplemental feeding of hay continued in most areas of the state as pasture conditions continue to decline due to lack of rainfall.

Field Crops Report
Small Grains: Winter wheat continues to struggle in the High Plains and is in much need of moisture. Winter wheat improved in the Low Plains after receiving some moisture during the Christmas holidays. Winter wheat was looking good in the Blacklands. Winter wheat and oats were beginning to suffer do to lack of moisture in the Edwards Plateau and South Texas.
Cotton: Good yields were reported in the Panhandle as cotton harvest was winding down. Producers were preparing land for the next season in Trans-Pecos and the Coastal Bend.

Fruit, Vegetable and Specialty Crop Report
Pecan harvest was completed in the Blacklands. Above average yields were reported in Trans-Pecos as pecan harvest continued. Vegetable, citrus, and sugarcane harvest continued in the Lower Valley.

Livestock, Pasture and Range Report
Livestock were in good shape as supplemental feeding continued due to lack of winter forage. Hay feeding continued to increase. Ranges and Pastures continued to show signs of stress due to prolonged dry weather. Range and Pasture conditions were fair to good statewide.

For more weather information, please visit the following Web sites: www.srh.noaa.gov/rfcshare/precip_analysis_new.php and www.drought.unl.edu/dm/monitor.html