AgriLife Extension district reporters compiled the following summaries:

Central

Conditions improved due to rainfall, with additional precipitation forecasted. The fields turned green, and the crops responded well, exhibiting strong growth. Livestock remained in good condition, and the cattle market stayed strong. Pasture fertilization and herbicide applications were underway. Rivers and lakes benefited from runoff, but deep soil moisture remained limited or absent. Some cotton fields were submerged for a week, and in some areas, planting was impossible. Wheat began to turn color, and some fields experienced bird damage and late infestations of leaf rust.

Rolling Plains

Widespread rainfall delivered up to 12 inches in some areas and significantly improved surface moisture, benefiting rangeland and pasture conditions. While the rain came too late to help wheat crops, many of which showed signs of disease and poor yield potential, it greatly boosted spring grass growth, filled stock tanks and improved livestock body conditions. Corn and sorghum fields were off to a good start but faced weed pressure and yellowing in waterlogged, low-lying areas. Although subsoil moisture remained limited in some places, producers had the moisture needed for upcoming hay and cotton planting. Scattered rainfall patterns meant not all areas benefited equally, and flooding was an issue in places that received excessive rainfall. More rain was forecast, which could worsen waterlogging and delay plantings.

Coastal Bend

Some areas received trace amounts of rain to over 3 inches midweek. Light rain fell across the area on Easter Monday, with heavier rainfall near Houston. Soil moisture improved where significant rain fell, but more rain was needed. Planting was done, crops were emerging well and most looked good. Early planted corn was in excellent condition and in the early silk stage. Mid-season corn plantings were in poor to fair condition with varied maturity, and late-planted corn looked good. Sorghum and cotton followed similar trends, with late plantings appearing most uniform. Producers were managing a flush of weeds and grass as fields became dry enough to work. Pasture conditions continued to improve, with grass green-up and rapid growth. Some hay fields were close to a first cutting. Livestock body condition scores improved, and cattle remained in fair to good condition. Calves were starting to bloom. Most herds had calved out, and a high percentage of older cows and those in poorer condition were shipped. Pecan trees were blooming, and producers were scouting for pecan nut casebearers. Corn leafhopper scouting was active, with none found in the Upper Gulf Coast portion of the district, and thrips were present in cotton.

Southeast

Several counties faced dry weather while some locations received light to moderate rain that improved soil moisture and boosted crop growth. Despite improvements, many producers still needed additional moisture to sustain progress. Ponds were low and pastures were in fair shape. Corn, sorghum and rice fields were planted, and emerged fields progressed well. Livestock, pasture and grazing conditions improved. Some pastures struggled with excessive rainfall and humidity, which delayed hay cutting. Pasture and rangeland conditions were poor to excellent. Soil moisture levels were short to surplus. Livestock body conditions were fair to excellent. Wheat was in fair condition and headed out.

South Plains

Some areas received trace amounts of rain up to 3 inches while other areas had no rain at all and remained desperate for rainfall. The cooler weather and humidity helped wheat fields. Some farmers received enough moisture to start planting corn and sorghum. In areas that received rain, the warm-season grasses were improving dramatically. Cattle were in good condition, but some were still on supplemental feed.

Panhandle

The district received some widespread rain. Soil moisture was very short to adequate. Some areas received light rain while other areas experienced flooding and tornadoes. The moisture was beneficial for wheat growth and development and was much needed for rangeland and pastures. Corn planting continued on days and locations suitable for fieldwork. Six-inch soil temperatures continued to warm, approaching those acceptable for planting cotton. Recent rain showers were very timely for irrigated and dryland warm-season crops being planted, maturing wheat and other small-grain crops. Improved and native grass pastures showed a flush of new vegetative growth. Cattle grazing wheat were doing excellent. Supplementation of cattle on rangeland had ceased as green-up continued. Pasture and rangeland conditions were fair to good while crops were poor to good.

North

Counties reported pasture and rangeland conditions were fair to good. Subsoil and topsoil moisture were adequate to surplus. Most counties received some rain, which continued through the weekend, with strong storms moving through some areas. Winter wheat performed well, with all wheat headed out. Corn grew well, but some fields experienced saturated soil during the week as temperatures remained favorable. Crops looked good overall, and winter crops neared harvest. Livestock were in fair to good condition and began putting on weight from spring grasses. Spring pastures responded well to warm weather and moisture. Many producers completed their first hay harvest. Blackberries, stone fruits and spring vegetables progressed well, and rangeland conditions improved. Insect populations began to increase, but no significant insect or disease issues were reported.

Far West

Agricultural conditions improved, but challenges remained. Conditions were warm, with humidity and temperature highs in the mid-80s. Some counties received much-needed rainfall, estimated at around 2 inches, which enhanced soil moisture and supported forage growth. Hail and wind damage were reported and remained a concern. Other areas continued to struggle with drought. Some producers took advantage of the moisture and planted hay grazer. Cotton planting was underway. Farmers with limited water access relied on irrigation wells and reducing acreage. Corn and melons progressed well, and pecan orchards and alfalfa fields were irrigated as needed. Livestock remained in fair condition and benefited from greening pastures in some areas, but many producers continued to provide feed.

West Central

The district received 1-4 inches of rain, but most areas still needed more. Water levels rose in most lakes and stock tanks. The rains helped topsoil moisture, but subsoil moisture levels remained short. The rain greened up pastures, but grazing remained limited, and several timely rains were needed for rangeland recovery and forage growth. The soil moisture should benefit cotton and sorghum crops the most. Field preparation for spring forage planting continued with some fields already planted and some fertilizer applications complete. Some producers planted Sudan grass before the rain, and it was up and growing. Wheat and oat fields neared graze-out. The rains will not help wheat fields that were going to grain. Sorghum fields were off to a strong start with timely rains but needed more moisture soon to maintain progress. Row crop producers sprayed weeds and prepared the ground for upcoming cotton planting. Some wheat fields were baled for cattle. Producers rushed to plant hay grazer. Pecan trees were slow to grow and leaf out. Pastures appeared very green following recent rains. Calls continued regarding drought-stressed trees, and concerns were expected to persist. Producers continued spring cattle work. Cattle looked fleshy and in good condition. Some producers applied fertilizer to Coastal Bermuda grass before recent rains. Producers continued supplemental feeding and sold cattle lighter than usual. Mineral deficiencies were noted in some livestock. Many calves were weaned early to help cows recover and conserve grass. The cattle market remained strong with all classes selling at steady to higher prices.

South

Conditions were hot and dry for most of the week with some midweek rain showers that brought a couple of inches of rain to parts of the district. Some areas continued to suffer from extended drought, and irrigation through local water canals was closed due to a lack of available water. Stock tank levels remained a concern for some producers, and soil moisture was short. Crops and rangeland began to show drought stress due to the lack of significant rainfall. Corn grew steadily, cotton was being planted, and fieldwork for peanuts began. Strawberry producers continued harvesting and moving produce. Row crops that survived the flooding rains at the beginning of the month recovered and progressed well. Follow-up rains will be needed to sustain crops through the hotter part of the growing season. Wheat and oat crops continued to mature, and fields were prepared for harvest. Onion harvest continued. Corn, grain sorghum and cotton crops progressed and showed very little insect pressure. Sunflowers were in full bloom. Sesame emerged with good stands. Hay producers baled their hay meadows, and recent moisture, well-timed herbicide and fertilizer applications contributed to good bale-per-acre yields. Some citrus orchards were removed. Livestock and wildlife were in good condition and benefited from moderate temperatures, though supplemental feeding remained necessary. Pastures and rangelands continued to recover and improve with recent rainfall. Local livestock markets reported average volumes this week with steady and strong prices for all classes of beef cattle, and feed prices remained high at local feed stores.