Farm & Ranch

[AgriLife Today] Texas crop and weather report for March 23, 2016

Published

11 years ago

March 24, 2016

NTFR

By: Adam Russell

Farmers seek advice as ryegrass makes way for Bermuda grass

OVERTON – Call volumes increased for Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service forage specialist Dr. Vanessa Corriher-Olson in Overton, as warm weather has farmers and ranchers looking for proactive ways to control weeds on ranges and pastureland.

At this point and with recent rainfall, annual ryegrass is active and producers want to manage it in Bermuda fields to allow the grass to take off, she said. They’re asking for recommendations to slow ryegrass growth – or are deciding to increase grazing pressure or harvest it.

Farmers continue to inquire about renovating, or lightly discing, land to allow moisture to get deeper. However, Corriher-Olson said there is limited-to-no comparative research data to show a Bermuda grass production advantage to discing. She said renovation practices should be done during grass dormancy in the winter, with care taken to conserve soil moisture, especially in a drought.

Renovation success is contingent on post-renovation rains.

“Keep in mind that anytime we disturb the soil, we are potentially promoting the germination of weed seeds so be prepared for weed control,” she said.

Corriher-Olson said there is concern about frost and freezing temperatures that might set back any actively growing Bermuda grass. There were reports of frost conditions March 21 but no subsequent reports regarding damages.

“It was hit or miss and I think it was a light frost, in unprotected areas,” she said. “Frost can set back Bermuda grass, but we would have to have a pretty substantial freeze before there was damage.”

AgriLife Extension district reporters compiled the following summaries:

CENTRAL: Corn planting halted due to wet field conditions, and forecasted rain could further delay planting. The region had some frost, but pastures continued to improve. Cattle remained in good condition, and green grasses emerged for grazing. Tank and pond levels remained full. Fruit and ornamental trees were in full bloom. All counties reported soil moisture and overall range and pasture conditions as good. Overall livestock conditions were rated 95 percent good while 85 percent of overall crop conditions were rated fair.

ROLLING PLAINS: Conditions were at both ends of the spectrum. The region experienced freezing temperatures to temperatures up to 80 degrees. The temperature swing wasn’t good for fruit trees and other plants susceptible to colder weather. Although this put a damper on lawn and garden work, producers have been busy preparing fields for this year’s crops. With cotton prices at a depressing low, some farmers were looking for alternatives but haven’t had much luck. Some producers moved stocker cattle to cultivated ground for grazing while those planning for cotton prepared the ground for spring planting. Livestock were in good condition with plenty of grazing as winter wheat and pastures continued to flourish. With the abundant amount of grazing available, ranchers fed supplement on a small scale and held on to hay supplies for the future. Wheat continued to grow and looked like a decent crop this year.

COASTAL BEND: Temperate days and cooler nights were the norm. A strong rain and wind-producing front passed with some small hail reported. Soil moisture conditions were good. Most corn and grain sorghum emerged and was growing. A small amount of sorghum needed replanting due to standing water. Some cotton has been planted, and some will also need to be replanted due to rainfall. Wheat continued to head. Rainfall perked up wheat but likely too late to improve yield. Rust pressure was observed in some wheat. Some producers applied fertilizer to hay fields. Pastures were green and growing with plentiful forage for livestock consumption. Cattle were in good shape, but mosquitos and flies were prevalent.

EAST: Wet conditions continued around the region. Rains and flooding destroyed corn planted in river bottom cropland in Anderson County. Several thousand acres of river bottom pasture was under water from both the Trinity and the Neches rivers. Shelby County had mandatory evacuations of residents living in low-lying areas due to flooding. Rain amounts in some areas exceeded 15 inches over a two-day period. Lake and pond levels were full to overflowing. Rain and cold weather hurt producers who planted early. Producers had trouble accessing pastures and crops. Pasture and range conditions were poor in the southeastern counties while other counties in the region rated them fair to good. Some farmers prepared spring gardens. Subsoil and topsoil conditions ranged from adequate to surplus. Upland vegetable crops were in good condition. Watermelons had runners and appeared to be three to four weeks ahead of schedule. Everything was budding out and blooming. Clover and ryegrass growth made good progress with adequate moisture and warmer conditions. Producers and homeowners were preparing for spring weed control. Producers were feeding less hay and supplementation. Livestock were in fair to good condition. Spring calving continued along with bull turn-out. Cow and calf sales were low at the sale barn. Fly populations were increasing in Henderson County, and Wood County reported serious problems with feral hogs.

SOUTH PLAINS: Borden County experienced windy conditions. In Cochran County, subsoil and topsoil continued to dry out due to lack of moisture and high winds. Producers continued to prepare for spring planting with chemical applications and listing. Crosby County received a light freeze over the weekend with a low of 31 degrees. Floyd County producers could use some more moisture. Producer were getting fields ready for planting. No rainfall fell in Garza County, and temperatures were near or below freezing with highs near 60 degrees. Rainfall was needed to improve topsoil moisture across the county for spring planting and green-up of warm-season grasses. Producers continued to prepare land for cotton planting in the next couple of months. Range and pastures were mostly fair to good with some green up of warm-season grasses in low-lying areas. As temperatures begin to rise, moisture will be needed for plants to grow. Livestock was in mostly good condition, and light supplemental feeding occurred. Conditions in Hockley County were dry and windy. Spring field work continued. Rust and a few aphids were found in wheat. Lubbock County experienced freezing weather March 19. The coldest minimum temperature was recorded at Abernathy at 23.5 degrees with a sub-freezing duration of six hours. Field preparation continued. Evidence of stripe rust was observed in two wheat fields. Yoakum County received no precipitation. Small grains under irrigation looked good. Oats in the area started to germinate.

PANHANDLE: The region was dry and windy with above-average temperatures most of the week, though a good general rain was still needed throughout the region. Collingsworth County reported dry, windy conditions, which dried out the soil profile significantly throughout the week. A burn ban was enacted to reduce the chance of wildfires due to the dry, windy conditions and fuel throughout pastures. Farmers prepared fields for planting by listing up rows, and putting down fertilizers, pre-plant herbicides and water. Deaf Smith County producers continued field work preparations for spring plantings. The winter wheat crop was actively growing as many producers ran water. Stocker cattle remained on graze-out wheat fields and were doing well. Decisions about what crops would be planted this season were still undetermined in some areas. Ochiltree County pre-plant activity for summer crops was reported. Wheat fields received weed control applications and were fertilized. Wheat will need rain soon but looked good. Producers scouted for insects in the wheat. Stocker cattle were moved off wheat fields to be harvested for grain. Randall County conditions were windy and dry. Rain was desperately needed as planting nears. Corn was expected to be planted within a week to 10 days. Meanwhile, field work continued in preparation for the upcoming planting season.

NORTH: Topsoil moisture varied from adequate to surplus. Temperatures reached beyond 80 degrees during the first part of the week, and more seasonal temperatures in the 60s and 70s returned during the latter half of the week. Rain totals were from a half inch to 1.75 inches. Warm temperatures and winds early in the week dried out topsoil so farmers could plant corn. Wheat and winter annual pasture grasses started to grow following rains from the previous week and warmer temperatures. Cattle pastures started to green up as well, which cut back on hay consumption. Livestock and spring-born calves were doing well. Wild hogs were still causing problems.

FAR WEST: Wheat in Glasscock County quickly progressed into the boot stage. Small portions planted early started to head out. Producers continued to work fields and most have started pre-watering cotton ground. Corn was planted and sorghum was expected to be underway shortly. Spring-like weather continued in Culberson County. A cold front blew in over the weekend but brought no precipitation. Fields in Pecos County have been planted with peppers and were being prepped for cotton. Range cattle continued to do well on open ranges. Presidio County was hot, dry and windy with no precipitation and winds gusting up to 50 miles per hour. Pastures were trying to green up, but non-grasses were the only green vegetation available. There were cattle dying due to the consumption of mustard weed. Winkler and Loving counties were drying out but received enough moisture throughout the winter to grow a good crop of spring weeds. Mesquite trees have not bloomed. Rangeland and pasture conditions in Reagan County started to green up from the warmer weather and rain. Lambing and kidding continued in Upton County. Supplemental feeding of wildlife and livestock continued. Some welcomed rains were received. Winter wheat was in fair condition. Pasture and range conditions across the district were poor. Topsoil and subsoil moisture were short.

WEST CENTRAL: Temperatures were much cooler at the end of the week. Some areas experienced frost and freezing conditions. Frost and freeze damage on warm season grasses and forages that had broken dormancy was noted. It was too early to tell if there was damage to wheat crops. Stock tanks and ponds looked good due to good runoff from the previous week’s rainfall. Field activities increased. Row crop producers were spraying winter weeds and applying fertilizers. Field preparations for spring planting were underway. Producers geared up to plant sorghum and summer forage crops. Some corn was planted late in the week. Wheat remained in good condition and was helped by recent moisture. Many producers grazed out their wheat pastures and expected to continue doing so as long as forage was available. Range and pasture conditions continued to improve and green up due to recent rains. Planned control burns were conducted. Livestock remained in fair to good condition. Yearling cattle were doing very well. Cattle prices held steady.

SOUTHEAST: In Walker County, the pastures were growing well due to warm weather and moisture. Clover and other legumes were in active stages of growth and production. In Brazos County, warm temperatures allowed saturated fields to dry. Corn was emerging well. Hardin County began to dry out, but everything remained wet after weeks of flooding. Neighbors to the east along the Sabine River experienced flood conditions. Temperatures in Montgomery County were all over the board, but good growth was seen on winter annuals. Warm-season grasses showed some growth. In Chambers County, about 5 percent of the rice crop was planted. Cool weather did not help planted rice, and a considerable amount could be planted soon if rain stays away and high winds continue. Fort Bend County avoided forecasted rain and producers expected to plant soon if fields continued to dry. Livestock were in good condition. Soil-moisture levels throughout the region varied widely, but most were adequate to surplus, with surplus being most common. Galveston, Fort Bend and Walker counties reported 100 percent adequate. San Jacinto County reported 100 percent surplus. Rangeland and pasture ratings varied widely but most were rated fair to poor. San Jacinto reported 100 percent good rangeland and pastures.

SOUTHWEST: Rain provided much-needed moisture to topsoil levels and increased subsoil moisture levels as well. The cold weather damaged some peaches and small grains, and the light freeze could thin blooms. Wet weather had crops growing well. Producers in some counties continued to wait for fields to dry before finishing corn and milo plantings. Livestock were doing well and had plenty of forage.

SOUTH: Conditions were good overall. More rainfall was received, which improved soil moisture and range and pasture conditions. Temperatures were mild in the northern portions of the region, and some rainfall occurred in Frio County. Corn crops in Frio County were in the two-to-four-leaf stages and in good condition. Potato crops were also in good condition and about to flower. Wheat crops continued to develop during the week and were in good condition. Range and pasture conditions throughout the Frio County area continued to recover and were in good condition. McMullen County received scattered rainfall, which improved soil moisture and pasture conditions. Rainfall amounts of 1-3 inches, coupled with warmer temperatures, helped green up pastures. Summer perennial grasses came out of dormancy. Winter annual grasses made good growth progress. Livestock grazing conditions improved and provided ample forage. Supplemental feed declined, and body condition scores on cattle improved with most herds in fair condition. Soil moisture conditions were 90-100 percent adequate in the Frio County area and 75 percent to 80 percent adequate in the McMullen County area. Pastures were doing better throughout the Brooks County area with the help of rainfall. Ranchers were optimistic about conditions, which produced better sale prices. In the Jim Wells County area, heavy thunderstorms occurred late in the week and provided additional moisture to most of the area. Rainfall reports varied from 1 inch to 2 inches, which benefitted all agricultural producers. Storms produced straight-line winds with 50-60 mile per hour gusts, but no crop damage was reported. Wheat crop conditions in Jim Wells County improved from the previous rainfall event, and most wheat fields were headed out. Forage conditions improved and were expected to increase in quality. Five inches of rain and cloudy conditions delayed further planting in Kleberg and Kenedy counties as fields remained saturated. Soil moisture conditions were 100 percent adequate in Brooks and Jim Wells counties and 100 percent surplus in the Kleberg and Kenedy counties. Conditions were favorable for forage production in Dimmit County. Maverick County received no rainfall, and farmers began planting next season’s crops. Coastal Bermuda grass should be ready for baling soon. In Webb County, three days of 100-degree temperatures were reported following 4 inches of rain and cloudy days. Range and pasture conditions were excellent. A storm made its way through Zapata County, and soil conditions were wet but not saturated. Temperatures were hot throughout the day and cold during late night hours. In Zavala County, warm days helped dry fields enough for producers to continue corn, sorghum and cotton planting. Fields of wheat and oats responded well to recent rains across the county. Livestock producers reported native range and pastures responded very well to rains, which reduced supplemental feed for livestock. Spinach harvesting of both fresh-market and processing varieties resumed in Zavala County, and the cabbage harvest was expected to resume soon. Soil moisture conditions were 70-80 percent adequate in Dimmit County, 70 percent short in Maverick County, 70 percent adequate in Webb County, 60 percent adequate in Zapata County and 100 percent adequate in Zavala County.

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Farm & Ranch

Frog Fruit

Published

5 days ago

September 30, 2026

NTFR

By Tony Dean, tonydean.tx1@gmail.com

Frog fruit is a native, low-growing perennial forb adapted to most of the eastern U.S., but few grazers know it well. It contributes more to our plant communities than we realize. It generally grows no more than a few inches tall and roots at the nodes. It can form dense mats several feet across and develop runners up to 3 feet long.

The leaves are thick, one to two inches long and 3/8 inch wide, and toothed from the middle to the tip. Tiny white flowers form a ring around a flower head, and the head then elongates into a cylinder an inch long or longer. Frog fruit has a four-angled stem.

Frog fruit can grow almost anywhere in Texas and on many soil types. It can grow in drier soils and likes good drainage, but it needs additional moisture to survive the hottest months. You can find it almost anywhere in a pasture, though it often grows in depressions and near water sources.

“Frog fruit is used as forage by livestock and deer. I recall an instance when I was moving cattle from one pasture to the next on a Jack County ranch. As I opened the gate, I stood by a beautiful green plant of switchgrass which I expected to be immediately grazed down. The cattle walked right by the switchgrass and stuck their heads in a small patch of frog fruit a few feet away,” Dean said.

Frog fruit is gaining popularity as a ground cover for homes and gardens for these reasons:

Frog fruit grows quickly, maybe too quickly. If it gets out of bounds, you can always trim it back.
Frog fruit is low maintenance. Once you get it established with adequate watering, it can survive with little care.
Frog fruit has a long bloom period, from April to October.
It is a host plant for several butterfly species and other insects.

Farm & Ranch

Theileria orientalis

Published

6 days ago

September 29, 2026

NTFR

By Barry Whitworth, DVM

Over the past few years, veterinarians have detected Theileria orientalis in Oklahoma cattle. Early cases were primarily diagnosed in adult cattle, but more recent Oklahoma cases have been identified in stocker cattle. All cattle producers should be familiar with the clinical signs of this disease and check their cattle daily for signs of trouble.

The first U.S. case of theileriosis was identified in Virginia in August 2017. Those cattle showed weakness and anemia, and veterinarians made an initial diagnosis of anaplasmosis. Blood samples from the animals were tested for Anaplasma, Babesia and Leptospira. Results were negative for all three, but the tests revealed a blood protozoan, later identified as T. orientalis genotype Ikeda. Since that first herd outbreak, the organism has been detected in several states.

Cattle sick with T. orientalis genotype Ikeda may show fever, weakness, anorexia and exercise intolerance. If forced to move, affected cattle may stagger and gasp for air. If stressed excessively, they may collapse and die. On examination, the gums, eyes or vaginal mucosa may appear pale (white) or yellow. Reproductive losses, including stillbirths and late-term abortions, may occur, along with a drop in milk production.

Clinical signs reported in adult cattle in Oklahoma include anemia, sudden death, weight loss, abortion, failure to thrive and failure to calve. In stocker cattle, producers have reported weight loss, anemia, poor performance and sudden death.

Because Anaplasma marginale and T. orientalis genotype Ikeda produce similar clinical signs, telling the two apart can be difficult. One difference is that clinical signs are more common in young cattle infected with T. orientalis than in young cattle infected with A. marginale. Cattle with anaplasmosis also often display aggression, while those with T. orientalis genotype Ikeda typically do not. A laboratory test is required to tell the two diseases apart with certainty.

Researchers have identified Haemaphysalis longicornis as a possible vector of T. orientalis genotype Ikeda. In 2017, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) confirmed the presence of H. longicornis, commonly called the Asian longhorned tick (ALT) or bush tick. While trying to determine how the tick arrived in the United States, USDA officials discovered it had been present in West Virginia as early as 2010. The tick has now been confirmed in at least 26 states, including Oklahoma. Some evidence suggests other insect vectors may also transmit T. orientalis genotype Ikeda. Needle transfer is another possible route of transmission.

The ALT has been identified in Craig and Mayes counties in Oklahoma. This tick thrives in areas with high humidity, such as wooded regions, brush or tall grass. Ticks are often found where large numbers of wildlife gather, such as along deer trails. Producers can find more information about the ALT on the USDA website at https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/cattle/ticks/asian-longhorned.

Other countries have developed treatments for T. orientalis, but no approved treatments are available in the United States, and no vaccine exists for this disease. The best defense is prevention: buying cattle free of the organism, avoiding blood transfer between animals and using effective tick control. Producers should purchase cattle from reputable sources. Clean instruments between animals during procedures such as castration or dehorning, and change needles between every animal. Control external parasites with appropriate insecticide treatments. Pasture management also helps, such as rotating cattle away from wooded or brushy areas where ticks thrive. Patch burning may also help reduce tick populations.

Theileria orientalis remains a concern for some cow/calf and stocker producers in Oklahoma. Producers who want more information about T. orientalis genotype Ikeda should contact their local veterinarian or Oklahoma State University County Extension agriculture educator.

References

Hammer, J. F., Emery, D., Bogema, D. R., & Jenkins, C. (2015). Detection of Theileria orientalis genotypes in Haemaphysalis longicornis ticks from southern Australia. Parasites & Vectors, 8, 229.

Oakes, V. J., Yabsley, M. J., Schwartz, D., LeRoith, T., Bissett, C., Broaddus, C., Schlater, J. L., Todd, S. M., Boes, K. M., Brookhart, M., & Lahmers, K. K. (2019). Theileria orientalis Ikeda genotype in cattle, Virginia, USA. Emerging Infectious Diseases, 25(9), 1653-1659.

Spickler, Anna Rovid. (2019). Theileriosis. Retrieved from http://www.cfsph.iastate.edu/DiseaseInfo/factsheets.php.

Watts, J. G., Playford, M. C., & Hickey, K. L. (2016). Theileria orientalis: A review. New Zealand Veterinary Journal, 64(1), 3-9.

Farm & Ranch

Is the Pond Safe for Livestock?

Published

7 days ago

September 28, 2026

NTFR

By OKFR Staff

During the hottest part of summer, a farm pond can look like a welcome source of water. Cattle may be standing belly-deep along the bank, and the pond may still hold enough water to seem dependable. Looks alone won’t tell you whether that water is safe.

Hot weather, limited rainfall and falling pond levels can create water-quality problems. As water evaporates, salts, minerals, nutrients and other substances become more concentrated. Warm, still water can also encourage blue-green algae, and some forms can produce toxins capable of killing livestock.

Producers sometimes treat water as an afterthought compared to grass, hay and supplemental feed. Livestock need a dependable supply of clean water to maintain feed intake, regulate body temperature and support production. Poor-quality water can reduce consumption and performance even when it does not cause obvious poisoning.

A pond that has watered cattle for years is not safe under every set of conditions. Pay particular attention during drought, extreme heat or any period when the water level drops significantly.

Watch the Water and the Livestock

One of the most serious late-summer concerns is a bloom of cyanobacteria, commonly called blue-green algae. These organisms live naturally in many bodies of water, and most do not produce dangerous toxins. The risk rises when certain toxin-producing species multiply rapidly under favorable conditions.

According to Oklahoma State University Extension, toxic blue-green algal blooms typically develop in standing water after periods of hot, dry, calm weather. Nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus can fuel excessive growth. Those nutrients may reach a pond through manure, fertilizer runoff, soil erosion and decaying vegetation.

A suspicious bloom may turn the water bright green, blue-green, pea-soup green or even brownish. Scum, foam or mats may collect along the shoreline, particularly where the wind pushes floating material into one area. Some blooms look like spilled paint.

Not every green pond is poisonous. Common aquatic plants and harmless algae can also change the color or surface of the water. You usually cannot tell whether a bloom is toxic by looking at it, and a pond can contain toxin-producing cyanobacteria without showing every commonly described warning sign.

Keep livestock, horses, pets and people away from water that has an unusual color, heavy surface scum, a bad odor or unexplained dead fish or wildlife nearby. Do not let livestock drink from another part of the same pond on the assumption that the water is safe there. Wind can move a bloom, and toxin levels may vary across the pond.

Blue-green algae can produce toxins that affect the nervous system or liver. Depending on the toxin and the amount consumed, affected animals may develop weakness, staggering, difficulty breathing, tremors, convulsions, diarrhea or collapse. In severe cases, owners find animals dead near the water before realizing anything is wrong. Treatment often fails, which makes prevention especially important.

Treat any suspected poisoning as an emergency. Move the herd away from the water source without driving or stressing animals that may already be affected. Provide another clean water supply and contact a veterinarian immediately. Your county Extension office can also help you determine where and how to submit a water sample.

Blue-green algae is not the only potential problem. Pond water may contain elevated levels of dissolved salts, sulfates, nitrates, bacteria or other contaminants. Runoff can carry manure, fertilizer, pesticides and organic matter into the pond. Low water levels make some of these problems worse because the remaining water grows more concentrated.

Water with excessive dissolved solids may taste bitter or salty, so animals drink less of it. Depending on the substances involved and their concentrations, poor-quality water may contribute to diarrhea, reduced feed intake, poor weight gain or other health concerns. Young animals and livestock that are not used to the water may be more vulnerable.

Watch the cattle themselves, too. Are they reluctant to drink? Are they crowding around a different water source? Has feed intake or weight gain dropped without an obvious explanation? Are several animals having digestive problems? Changes across multiple animals can be an early clue that you need to look at the feed or water.

OSU Extension recommends collecting a representative sample and submitting it for a livestock water test whenever you suspect a water supply is harming animal health or performance. A standard livestock water test covers several characteristics, but blue-green algae can require different sampling and testing procedures. Contact the laboratory or county Extension office before collecting the sample so you take it from the right location, use the proper container and handle it correctly.

Reduce Problems Before They Develop

Good pond management cannot eliminate every water-quality problem, but it can lower the risk. One of the most effective steps is limiting the manure, soil and nutrients that enter the water.

Cattle with unrestricted access to an entire pond can damage the banks, muddy the water and deposit large amounts of manure in or near it. Hoof traffic strips vegetation and speeds erosion. Sediment fills the pond over time, while manure supplies nutrients that can encourage excessive algae growth.

Where practical, fence livestock away from most of the pond and provide a limited-access watering point. Another option is piping water to a trough below the dam or elsewhere in the pasture. OSU notes that reducing cattle manure in the pond can reduce the conditions that favor toxic algae and make the water more palatable.

A vegetated buffer around the pond can slow runoff and trap soil and nutrients before they reach the water. Apply fertilizer and manure carefully in the watershed, particularly before heavy rain, and do not let large amounts of hay, feed or organic debris pile up at the water’s edge.

Alternative watering systems need maintenance, too. Check troughs for algae, manure, drowned animals and other contamination. Install wildlife escape ramps in tanks so birds and small animals can climb out instead of drowning and fouling the water.

Be cautious about treating a pond on your own. Some owners use copper sulfate and other algaecides for algae control, but improper treatment can create new problems. Killing a large amount of algae or aquatic vegetation at once can deplete dissolved oxygen as the material decomposes, which can lead to a fish kill. Treatment may also release toxins from affected cyanobacteria into the water. Base any chemical application on proper identification and professional recommendations, not guesswork.

Livestock should always have enough water for the weather, their size and their stage of production. Demand rises sharply in hot weather, and a pond that barely meets the herd’s needs in spring may fall short in August. Check the source regularly instead of waiting for cattle to gather around a muddy shoreline.

Ponds can fool you. Crystal-clear water isn’t always safe, and a green pond doesn’t always mean toxic algae. Regular observation, testing and prevention are the best ways to keep a pond safe for your herd.