http://droughtreporter.unl.edu/

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Topsoil and subsoil conditions in South Texas were still adequate, but higher temperatures were starting to dry soils. Grain sorghum was coming along well and should begin heading soon. Corn was progressing well. Cotton, sesame and sunflowers were still being planted, and peanut planting was slowly starting. Some sunflower fields were in full bloom. Sorghum was showing signs of aphids and midge. Wheat harvest was delayed, and delays were expected to impact yields. Fertilizer and herbicide applications were ongoing in improved pastures. Strawberry harvest was moving along, but weather and temperatures were making it a challenge. However, the cooler temperatures have allowed plants to continue producing. Cattle prices continued to increase across all classes. Rangeland and pasture conditions were good to excellent. Livestock and wildlife were doing excellent, and ranchers were working cattle and selling the fall calf crop. Quail have paired up, and a few coveys with hatchlings were observed. Feral hogs were impacting crop production. Livestock and wildlife body conditions were improving. Sale volumes at one livestock market dropped from 922 sales to 428 with steady to higher prices for all classes of beef cattle. Hay grazer was growing rapidly and should be ready for baling in the coming weeks. Irrigation stopped on citrus and sugarcane for a few days due to the rainfall received. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), May 23, 2023 Coastal Bermuda grass fields in South Texas were producing hay bales. Local feed stores reported a significant decrease in hay prices. Rangeland and pasture ratings were improving in most areas, but overgrazed acres were slow to recover. Local beef cattle and livestock producers continued supplementation and have decreased their herds. Livestock body conditions were improving and culling slowed. Local livestock markets reported below-average volumes with steady to slightly higher prices for all beef cattle classes. Producers were busy working cattle. Cotton planting was completed, and peanut planting was underway. Corn and grain sorghum crops looked great, but the cotton crop was behind due to late planting and below-normal temperatures. About half the grain sorghum was headed and about half the corn crop was in the silking stage. Some grain corn and sorghum were laid over by winds but was expected to recover. A few farms were harvesting onions, and other crops like watermelons and cantaloupes were in good condition. Farmers were starting to irrigate their crops again. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), May 9, 2023 Wheat and oat crops continued to mature, and fields were being prepared for harvest in the coming weeks. Corn crops looked good and continued to develop, and some fields were tasseling. Cotton planting continued but should wrap up soon. Emerged cotton was weedy, and farmers were spraying. Cotton growth stages were from germination to full squaring in southern parts of the district. Grain sorghum looked good as well, but rice stink bugs and head worms were observed in fields along the Rio Grande River. A few fields had small numbers of sugarcane aphids. Peanut producers were active in fields preparing for planting. Crops and pastureland were steadily improving. Pecan orchards were already green and following the normal irrigation pattern. Most summer vegetables were planted, including watermelons and cantaloupes. The Coastal Bermuda grass hay was ready for a first cut. Livestock conditions were good, and supplemental feeding continued. Pasture and rangeland conditions were improving rapidly for cattle and wildlife. Beef cattle markets continued to see below-average sale volumes as strong selloffs occurred earlier in the year. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), April 25, 2023