Crop Report

AgriLife Extension district reporters compiled the following report for the Central Texas district: The district endured two weeks of consecutive 100-degree daytime temperatures, drying topsoil rapidly while subsoil moisture held in some areas. Rainfall was highly variable, with totals from 0.8-5 inches and none in many counties. The corn harvest wrapped up, with generally average to above-average yields except where hail hit earlier in the season. Cotton rapidly matured and looked good overall. Spider mite and potential cotton jassid pressure were concerns in later-maturing fields. Sorghum harvest progressed behind the corn effort. Pasture mealybug was widespread and severe, hitting Tifton 85, Bahia, bluestems, sorghum species and Bermuda grasses. Pasture conditions declined sharply. Hay production slowed, with quality and yields suffering. Stock tanks dropped, and a few instances of blue-green algae were observed. Pasture and rangeland were very poor to good. Livestock were in poor to excellent condition. Producers began or continued supplemental feeding, and cattle markets held at favorable levels. Sheep and goat markets were steady.