The following specific livestock, crop and weather conditions were reported by district extension directors:
PANHANDLE: soil moisture is short to very short. Overall conditions improved with the snow. Land preparation is under way for spring planting as the weather allows. Low temperatures allowed very little wheat growth; greenbug numbers declining. Cattle doing well.
SOUTH PLAINS: soil moisture is short to adequate. Supplemental feeding of cattle continues. Cotton harvest nearing completion; fair to average yields reported. Wheat responding to recent moisture; fields being grazed. Grain sorghum harvest almost complete.
ROLLING PLAINS: soil moisture is very short. Low temperatures and hard freezes have arrived in the district; moisture was welcomed but more is needed. Cold weather helped in cotton stripping. Wheat is declining; spider mites, greenbugs causing damage.
NORTH TEXAS: soil moisture is very short to adequate. Rain received last week provided relief to drought-stricken plants and replenished water in stock ponds. Soil moisture is drying out rapidly from the wind. Livestock doing well; supplemental feeding continues.
EAST TEXAS: soil moisture is very short to adequate. Winter pastures improving. Livestock conditions are good. Harvest continues of cole crops. Limited grazing of oats reported. Pecan harvest continues; fair to good yields reported.
FAR WEST TEXAS: soil moisture is very short. Drought conditions persist; most wheat is dead from moisture stress. Dry conditions taking toll on cattle; they are being supplemented heavily. Pecan harvest winding down. Cotton harvest is nearing completion.
WEST CENTRAL TEXAS: soil moisture is very short to short. Scattered showers reported across the district. Grain that has emerged needs moisture; leaves wilting. Livestock in poor to fair condition; forage decreasing. Pecan harvest continues; quality is fair to good.
CENTRAL TEXAS: soil moisture is very short. Rain was helpful; much more is needed to replenish soil moisture. Heavy feeding continues as there is no grazing. Recent rainfall will help emerged wheat.
SOUTHEAST TEXAS: soil moisture is very short to adequate. Most cattle being supplemented. Adequate rain received in some counties for planting oats and ryegrass. Whitefly pressure present on mustards and turnips; many crops being irrigated. Peach pruning in full swing.
SOUTHWEST TEXAS: soil moisture is short. Region remains dry. Small grains failed; additional small grain crops will not be planted under dryland conditions. Harvesting of cabbage, spinach and pickling cucumbers continues with good yields, quality.
COASTAL BEND: soil moisture is short. Fertilization of fields continues in preparation for spring planting. Oats in need of moisture. Pastures are short; winter forage is stunted due to dry weather. Fall vegetables look excellent where irrigation is available.
SOUTH TEXAS: soil moisture is short. Corn crop progressing well. Field operations for next year's row crop season under way. Sugarcane harvest continues; sugar content improving. Harvest active on various greens, onions, cabbage, peppers.
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