AgriLife Extension district reporters compiled the following summaries:

Panhandle

Overall soil moisture levels were very short to short. High winds pulled moisture from the soil profile and brought additional topsoil erosion across landscapes without cover crops or crop residue. The winds also pushed several major wildfires. Pasture and range conditions were very poor to fair, and winter wheat was poor to fair.

South Plains

Conditions were dry with above-average temperatures and extreme winds. In some areas, irrigation started on small grains. Winter wheat was in poor to fair condition. Grazing was available for livestock in some areas, but producers were relying on supplemental feed. Some started shipping livestock.

Rolling Plains

Overall, winter wheat conditions were improving due to recent rainfall and warm temperatures, with some counties reporting significant moisture gains of up to 2 inches. Wheat pastures and winter grasses were greening up, and cattle body conditions were improving. Fertilizer top dressing and weed control applications were underway. However, dry winds and warm weather reduced moisture levels in some locations, increasing fire danger and leaving crops struggling in drought conditions. Recent rains provided temporary relief, but many areas needed additional rainfall to sustain crop progress, refill stock tanks and improve pasture growth. Supplemental feeding of livestock remained common.

North

Most fields looked good after recent rainfall. Ryegrass and other cool-season forages were growing rapidly with increased rainfall. Topsoil and subsoil levels were very short to adequate. Pasture and range conditions were fair to good. Winter wheat was doing well and started to progressing following rain and sunshine. Livestock conditions were good to excellent.

East

Temperatures were very cool in the morning to above average in the afternoons. Most counties remained dry. Subsoil and topsoil conditions were short to adequate. Some counties shared concerns about fire dangers. Pasture and rangeland conditions were fair. Pond, creek and lake levels dropped significantly. Producers began soil testing. Cattle markets remained strong. Livestock were in fair to good condition with supplementation taking place. Feral hog control was underway.

Far West

Recent rainfall events varied widely, with some counties receiving 1-1.5 inches of rain while other areas remained dry as windy conditions quickly evaporated surface moisture. Limited soil moisture continued to raise concerns about yield potential. Conditions remained mostly normal with seasonally warmer temperatures causing winter wheat to break dormancy earlier than usual. Wheat and oat fields were generally in fair to good shape, but overgrazing was evident in certain pastures. Pecan harvest was nearing completion with cleaning operations wrapping up for the season, and orchard irrigation with effluent and brackish well water was ongoing. Ground preparation continued for cotton and some alfalfa, though water allotments were expected to remain very low. Established alfalfa stands may survive on reduced water but with lower yields. Fieldwork continued where moisture allowed, and drip irrigation preparations began for cotton acres. Cattle producers were preparing for upcoming spring activities, including branding season. Pasture and range conditions ranged from very poor to fair, with many areas reporting poor conditions. Livestock conditions were stable to slightly improved overall, with continued supplemental feeding of hay and feed. Feral hogs continued to cause issues in wheat and oat fields near creeks and towns.

West Central

Abnormally dry conditions prevailed. Drought continued to intensify with temperatures in the 70s and low-80s. Winter grasses were green but very short. Menard County reported 0.5 of an inch of rain that helped winter wheat. Wildfire potential increased with elevated winds. Moisture was needed to improve rangeland conditions.

Central

Pastures improved slightly with increased temperatures and added soil moisture. Conditions were still very dry with lots of fuel in most areas, and wildfires were a major concern. Stock tank levels remained full. Wheat and oats were not growing well due to hard freezes. Some producers were starting to plant corn. Cattle were still being fed supplemental cubes and hay.

Southeast

Dry conditions continued as corn planting began. Winter forages stunted by a hard freeze showed improvement after receiving 1.5 inches of rain. Livestock diets were still supplemented with hay and other feed. Warmer weather encouraged warm-season grasses to break dormancy. Wheat looked good and pastures were beginning to green up with fertilizer applications timed ahead of the rain. Fire danger was high due to dry conditions and increased winds.

Southwest

Conditions remained dry. Trace amounts of precipitation were reported. No additional measurable rainfall was received. Soil moisture levels continued to decline for spring planting and pasture conditions. Spring weeds were beginning to emerge in bare soil. Cooler temperatures helped maintain soil moisture. High temperatures reached into the mid-80s. Dry and windy weather increased fire hazards. Moisture was critically needed for farmers to begin planting corn and sorghum. Pastures were beginning to green up, and small grains were showing slight improvement in some areas. Supplemental feeding of livestock continued. Overall, livestock remained in mostly fair condition.

Coastal Bend

Rainfall was very scattered; some areas received spotty showers while much of the district remained extremely dry. Soil moisture was very short to short in most areas. Corn planting was underway where producers had adequate moisture, but many were waiting on rain before moving forward. Winter pastures of oats, wheat and ryegrass were practically non-existent this season. Early spring green-up of annual grasses, forbs and legumes was evident in areas that received more rain. Range and pasture conditions remained very poor to poor in most areas and continued to deteriorate. Hay feeding continued for beef herds, and hay supplies remained tight. Livestock were being supplemented or shipped. Cows looked thin though calves were holding up.

South

Drought conditions continued and worsened throughout the district. Temperatures were on the rise with windy conditions daily. Topsoil and subsoil conditions were very short. Soil moisture remained limited with little to no water available in the local irrigation canal system. Row crop producers with enough moisture began planting corn and grain sorghum crops. Very little field activity was noted as row crop farmers waited for moisture to begin planting. Cotton acreage was expected to be low again, but planting should begin soon. Leafy greens were still showing signs of freeze damage. Oats were in the heading stage, while other fields were being prepared for planting. Onion harvest began with exceptional yields reported. Citrus and cool-season vegetable harvests continued. Conditions were windy, preventing any pre-emergent applications. Range and pasture conditions remained poor, as most pastures showed burnt tops from the recent frost. Hay and feed were in great demand as hay supplies tightened. Producers continued to thin herds. Beef cattle markets continued to run above-average volumes and strong prices for all classes of beef cattle.