Crop Report

AgriLife Extension district reporters compiled the following report for the Central Texas district: Blistering heat prevailed with daily highs near or above 100 degrees, with no rainfall and a hot, dry outlook ahead. Corn harvest was well underway with yields ranging from 100 to 180 bushels per acre depending on spring and early summer rainfall. Grain sorghum harvest was active, and yields ran well above average in several areas. A replicated grain sorghum trial in one county averaged 7,462 pounds per acre, with the topperforming variety yielding 8,220 pounds per acre. Early planted cotton had bolls opening, and summer rains left enough soil moisture for the crop to support its fruit load. Stinkbug damage lingered in cotton, but pest pressure was slowing. Hay was still being cut, and pasture mealybug reports in hayfields were generating calls to AgriLife Extension offices. Pastures dried down considerably under the heat, and stock tank levels were falling in some areas. Cattle markets remained strong at local sale barns. Livestock conditions were poor to excellent, and pasture and rangeland were in very poor to good condition.