Cropland preparations in the Corpus Christi area are on target and fields look good amid favorable conditions, Dr. Carlos Fernandez, Texas A&M AgriLife Research agronomist in Corpus Christi, reported to AgriLife Today.

Soil moisture levels are good following recent rains. Herbicides and tillage have been applied to area fields, Fernandez noted.

Several dry spells and windy days have depleted topsoil moisture levels, but forecasted rains should improve these conditions before spring planting begins in the following weeks.

“There was a good recharging of the soil with moisture and the post-harvest preparations made by farmers,” Fernandez said. “We expect very good conditions for germination.”

The vast majority of cropland in Fernandez’s area will be planted in sorghum and cotton. Grain sorghum is expected to be planted within the next two weeks with cotton to follow, according to AgriLife Today.

Due to favorable soil moisture recharge, some farmers in this area may plant corn.

As for other areas, AgriLife Extension district reporters compiled the following summaries across Texas.

Central: Good soil moisture levels were reported as weather conditions were warmer. Farmers lost about 25 percent of the oat crop to freezing temperatures that dipped between 12-16 degrees on consecutive mornings. Pecan harvests have neared completion and wheat pastures are being grazed. Livestock were in good condition. Crops were growing strong with great subsoil moisture and rains in recent weeks. Insect pressure was light in winter grains, but temperatures were a little warm, which may create some early pest issues. Farmers are gearing up for corn planting.

Rolling Plains: Cotton harvest reported record yields in some counties. Subsoil moisture was good, but the topsoil was dry for the past month. Wheat pasture conditions ranged from poor to fair, but should improve in counties that received recent rainfall. Livestock continued to look good as calving season was in full swing. Rangeland and pastures were in good condition.

South Plains: Subsoil and topsoil moisture levels continued to drop in some areas due to high winds. Temperatures ranged from lows below freezing to highs in the 70s. Lubbock County reported a low of 7 degrees Jan. 7. Winter wheat struggled due to cold temperatures, but outlooks were good. Cotton harvest was complete. Most gins finished their ginning season, but some were still wrapping up. Yields were better than expected.

North: Topsoil and subsoil moisture levels varied from adequate to short. Recent rains added topsoil moisture needed for small grains and winter annual pastures. Ryegrass showed a little growth. The winter wheat and oat crops were doing very well. Hay and supplements were fed to stocker cattle due to hard freezes in some counties. Calving started, and cows looked good even though they were on hay and supplements. Most crops were harvested, including cotton and pecans. Yield for both crops were average to slightly below average.

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