Jan. 25, 2006

SAN ANGELO – Much-needed moisture fell late last week but did little to dampen the state's critical hay situation, Texas Cooperative Extension experts say.

"You might say our current hay dilemma is the perfect storm," said Dr. Jason Johnson, Extension economist at San Angelo. "Drought conditions across our major hay producing areas last season killed our production.

"Now it won't rain, so the small grain grazing much of the state relies on just isn't there. Normally, other regions and states typically step in to supply hay during poor growing conditions here, but they too are experiencing the same production-related issues we are," he said.

Johnson quoted the Texas Agricultural Statistics Service wrap-up from last season which showed alfalfa production down 9 percent and all other hay production down 22 percent.

"High fuel prices are also being added to the mix," said Johnson. "Hay is having to be hauled major distances now and freight is expensive. The only real relief I can think of would be some good, general soaking rains across the state.

"That would perk up the small grain, winter grass and weed grazing and put some much-needed moisture back into the soil for a good start next spring," he added.

Throughout most of Texas, Extension agriculture officials reported, supplemental feeding of livestock continues and extreme fire hazards exist due to the dryness.

These conditions were reported by Extension districts:

PANHANDLE: During the week, temperatures varied from near normal to slightly above normal. A light dusting of snow in portions of the area amounted to less than half an inch of moisture. Soil moisture is short to very short. Limited land preparation for spring planting is under way. Wheat condition continues to decline. Isolated and light greenbug infestations were reported. Rangeland conditions are rated mostly poor to very poor, but cattle condition is rated fair to good.

SOUTH PLAINS: Very dry and windy conditions continued with temperatures well above average. Gins continue to run around the clock, and several modules are still in the fields. Winter wheat is in poor condition. Many wheat fields under center pivots are being irrigated. Land preparation is hampered by the dry conditions. Pastures and ranges are in poor condition. Livestock conditions are fair to good.

ROLLING PLAINS: Field conditions are worsening with little optimism for immediate relief. Wheat grazing is limited. Daytime temperatures averaged more than 70 degrees. Surface tank water is getting low in many reservoirs. Most creeks have quit running. Most producers are finishing cotton harvest with above-average yields. Cattle are in good condition. An inch or more of rain in Parker County may help wheat and native winter annuals emerge.

NORTH: Soil moisture is very short. Wheat is poor to very poor. Pastures and rangeland are very poor. Pecans are all harvested, and wheat fields are 10 percent to100 percent emerged. Denton County has lost all of its winter wheat crop, and no hay is available. Lack of hay and low livestock water supply are contributing to cow herd reduction. Temperatures are unusually warm, with high humidity and winds.

EAST: Conditions are critically dry. Cattle are in good to fair condition; many producers continue to cull herds. Markets are steady. Hay for sale is either non-existent or very expensive. Crops planted in early January are holding on but need rain. Watermelon field preparations are in full swing.

FAR WEST: Moisture is short to very short. Ranges, pastures and livestock are poor to very poor condition across most of the region, though in isolated areas, conditions are fair to good. Winter wheat is 100 percent emerged but is in varied condition. Oats are in fair to poor condition. Pecans are at least 98 percent harvested. Above-normal temperatures are reported with no moisture expected. High fire danger is prominent in all areas.

WEST CENTRAL: Temperatures remained unseasonably warm with low humidity, very high winds and extremely dry conditions. Slight rain was reported in a few areas. Soil moisture is extremely dry. Wheat fields continue to suffer due to lack of moisture and emergence is slow. Some producers are cutting cotton stalks, however there is very little field activity due to drought conditions. Some producers have been forced to cull herds. Stock ponds are drying up in many areas. Unseasonable temperatures have caused some plants and trees to start bud swell.

CENTRAL: Hay supplies are extremely short, and prices have steadily increased. Some counties note that producers are selling off more cattle. Some counties received rain but still much more is needed.

SOUTHEAST: Some much-needed rain fell across the district, but more is needed. Winter pastures are not doing well. Cattle marketing remains very heavy, and prices are coming down. Some land preparation has begun for spring crops, but most producers are waiting for more rain.

SOUTHWEST: Up to a quarter-inch of rain fell last week. Soil moisture remains very low; and the only forage available is dependent on irrigation. Potato planting continues in Frio County with heavy irrigation required. Decisions on whether to plant corn and sorghum will be made soon. High fuel costs continue to limit grower options. Growers are delaying summer crop land preparation in hopes of rain. Harvest of irrigated cool season vegetables continues.

COASTAL BEND: Some areas received rainl, but the drought continues. Farmers are conducting shop and tractor maintenance. They can't plant because the shortage of topsoil moisture would not allow seeds to germinate. The sale of cattle continues. Vegetation in pastures is short.

SOUTH: Soil moisture is very short. Gusty winds and warmer-than-normal days continue to dry the soil. Irrigation cost continues to add up for cabbage, spinach, onions and carrots. Harvest of sugarcane, citrus and winter vegetables continues. Very little field preparation for spring crops was reported. Livestock producers are reducing herd sizes due to the high cost of forage. Supplies of hay are adequate.