•South Plains: Conditions were very dry across the district. Subsoil and topsoil moisture levels continued to be low. Dryland wheat fields were basically bare due the prolonged drought. A few irrigated wheat fields were in fair condition, but most were in poor condition. Farmers were starting to get fields ready for spring planting. Cattle were on supplemental feed due to the lack of grazing.
• Panhandle: Conditions were cold and dry. Soil moisture levels were very short to short. A light, dry snow halted farming activity at the end of the week. Snows added minimal moisture to the top 2 inches of the soil profile. Producers were on hold for fieldwork or preparations as they waited for moisture. They were also running pivot irrigation systems on wheat fields trying to get some grazing for stocker cattle. Dryland wheat conditions continued to deteriorate, and cattle were being supplemented on rangelands. Crop, rangeland and pasture conditions were very poor to poor.
• Rolling Plains: Conditions were very dry. A fire burned 566 acres. Wheat looked poor and needed some moisture. Supplemental feeding continued for cattle due to very little wheat for grazing. Some cattle looked a little rough coming through the winter, possibly because of poor-quality hay and not enough supplementation. There was plenty of hay, but much of the quality was below normal. Irrigated wheat fields looked good, but some fields were greening up following scattered rains. More rain will be needed for cotton planting. Producers were considering planting corn after threats of frost passes with sorghum plantings to follow.
Regional Agriculture Report – LubbockOnline.com
