AMARILLO, TEXAS -- The Texas Agrilife Extension Service released the latest crop report for the State of Texas Tuesday afternoon. Conditions on just about everything measured in the report seem to vary widely.
The dry weather pattern continues for much of the state, as of December 50 counties were listed as having "severe" drought conditions. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, a "severe drought" means crops and/or pasture losses are likely. Most of the state's other counties are listed as having "moderate drought" conditions which could also lead to crop losses.
However, the Texas Panhandle reports having normal moisture conditions. According to ProNews 7 Chief Meteorologist, Steve Kersh, officially our area saw 2.88" in November which is 2.20" above average for the month. December saw a decline, the official total was .22", .39" which is below average for the month.
Soil moisture levels were spread from short to adequate, most areas reported being short. Wheat and rangeland conditions also varied widely. Most reported wheat to be anywhere from fair to poor, some reported very poor conditions. Rangeland and pastures are also said to widely be poor.
Some good news for cattle producers, as cattle are said to be good although producers are having to use supplemental feed.
Many area cotton producers are still at work, however, the report said the harvest is almost complete. In previous reports, many are expecting the yield to be above average, which would mean nothing but good news to our area.
The report also points out the wildfire danger is still high, many of the counties in the Panhandle are under a burn ban.
