Farm & Ranch

[AgriLife Today] Texas Crop and Weather Report –April 20, 2016

Published

10 years ago

April 21, 2016

NTFR

By: Adam Russell

Corn and sorghum appear on track in 2016

COLLEGE STATION — Corn and sorghum crops appear to be on time and on track to produce average yields for producers around the state, said Ronnie Schnell, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service state cropping systems specialist, College Station.

Corn acreage is a little behind the five-year average, Schnell said, but farmers and fields are in better shape than last year.

He said weather, especially wet weather, did not cause delays as it did in 2015.

“There was a lot of late planting last year due to rain,” he said. “It looks like the weather is cooperating for the most part across the state (this year).”

Corn and sorghum in East Texas, the Brazos Valley and southern Texas had all been planted with most, if not all, emerged and some were waist high or in the six-leaf stage, he said. Other producers continued to prepare fields on schedule.

Schnell said it remains to be seen how flooding over the weekend might have affected individual crops in those areas. Some prior flooding in the Brazos Valley area required farmers to replant crops.

“We could see problems in areas that received heavier rains, the 12-plus inch rainfalls, but a lot of croplands in other parts of the state, like the Panhandle, needed the precipitation as they prepare for planting,” he said.

Schnell said expectations could shift with the weather, especially if prolonged drought in dry areas or rains in wet areas occurred.

“It’s always about the timing,” he said. “But it looks like we’re off to a good start.”

AgriLife Extension district reporters compiled the following summaries:

CENTRAL: The region received 3-8 inches of rain with more rain in the forecast. Weekend storms produced excessive rainfall amounts and flooding, with county roads being closed due to overflowing creeks. Small grains have been cut for silage, but many acres were still left to cut. Pastures were in good condition, and producers fertilized heavily before the rains. Landowners would likely stay out of fields for several days to allow them to dry. Wheat and oats were laid down on the ground. Wheat crops looked good with a few instances of rust. Corn and sorghum also looked good. Tanks and all water sources were full and running over. Cattle and livestock were doing well. Temperatures were normal. All counties reported good soil moisture. Overall crop and livestock conditions were good in all counties that reported.

ROLLING PLAINS: Weather ranged from very warm and dry to cooler and wet. Parts of the region reported as much as 4.5 inches of rain and hail. There were no reports of significant damage from the hail. The moisture helped farmers who found plenty of subsoil moisture but were lacking moisture in topsoil as they prepared fields for crops. Rainfall also helped pastures and rangeland as grasses began to emerge, plus helped suppress any wildfire threat. Livestock were in good to excellent condition with plenty of grazing in pastures and winter wheat. Producers said they likely could make a wheat crop if stripe rust doesn’t become a problem. Certain wheat varieties looked really good while other varieties suffered. Some producers have been chopping green silage.

COASTAL BEND: Some areas received significant rainfall, and heavy rains were forecast. Crops began to shoot up due to the moisture received, and growing conditions were becoming more favorable in some areas. Fertilizer was applied to pasture and hay fields, and herbicide were applied to some fields. Livestock prices fell compared to earlier this year.

EAST: Conditions across the area have been windy with lower temperatures. Forages continued to transition from cool to warm season. Cool temperatures at night allowed cool-season forages to hang around and continue to make good growth. Warm-season grasses and weeds began emerging. Some producers prepared for the first hay cutting. Applications of herbicides and fertilizers continued in pastures and hay fields. Recent rainfalls improved soil moisture conditions. Subsoil and topsoil conditions were mostly adequate with only Henderson and Smith counties reporting a surplus. Pasture and range conditions were mostly good with a few counties reporting fair conditions. Smith County reported heavy rain in some areas. Peach growers were seeing problems primarily due to low chill hours on some varieties of peaches. Vegetables were making good progress in Henderson County. Growers were planting gardens. Spring cattle work was underway. Livestock were in good condition with hay and supplemental feeding decreased. Feral hog damage increased.

SOUTH PLAINS: Cochran County subsoil and topsoil conditions improved with recent rains, which was expected to improve pasture, range and winter wheat conditions as well. Producers continued to prepare for spring planting. Very small amounts of rain fell across Crosby County. Parts of Floyd County received between 0.5-2 inches of rain while southern portions of the county received no measurable precipitation. Light rain fell across Garza County with amounts ranging from 0.2-0.5 inches. Weather was mostly mild with temperatures in the 70s. More rainfall was expected in the region. Cotton fields were being prepared for May planting. Rainfall was needed to fill the soil profile enough for cotton crops to get off to a good start. Range and pastures were in fair to good condition with rainfall needed for warm season forage growth. Cattle were in mostly good condition. A few scattered showers were seen in Hale County, but no significant accumulation occurred. Measurable rain was received in Hockley County and more was expected. Field work stopped there for a few days because of rains. A severe weather event missed Lubbock County, but fields there also missed out on expected moisture. Lubbock County did receive some scattered rainfall and pea- to marble-sized hail. The majority of heavy rains and severe weather was in counties to the east. There was concern over wheat leaf and stripe rust with the recent conditions. Widespread moisture was needed prior to spring planting. Scurry County received from 2-5 inches of rain. Snyder fields were expected to be planted when it dried up enough for field work.

PANHANDLE: The region experienced near-average temperatures and some moisture in most areas. Rainfall ranged from trace amounts to 1.5 inches, but more rain was needed as soil moisture levels were mostly short. Carson County received spotty showers to heavy rains and some small hail. Collingsworth County received rain and cooler, cloudy conditions which replenished moisture levels. Areas of the county received upwards of 2 inches. Wheat and pastures looked replenished and lush thanks to the moisture. Deaf Smith County producers were hoping for a major rain event but only received rainfall amounts of less than 0.2 inches. Corn planting will probably begin soon, and irrigation pivots will run right behind the planters. The winter wheat crop was still hanging on, with the irrigated crop being watered in anticipation of shifting to the corn. Grain sorghum and cotton plantings were still in limbo. Weekend rains in Hutchinson County were beneficial for producers preparing for the upcoming crop season. Wet weather is forecast, and planting should begin soon. Randall County weather conditions remained extremely dry. Producers planted some corn and were ready to begin in other corn fields, as well as cotton and sorghum fields. Range and pasture conditions continued to be mostly fair. Cattle on range were still being supplemented and were in fair condition.

NORTH: Topsoil moisture varied from adequate to surplus. This week brought some rain to the area. Winter wheat was doing well across the counties. Some areas in some wheat fields were pretty thin. Some wheat began to head out. Corn was being planted across the counties. Bottoms remained flooded and pastures improved as temperatures increased. Livestock were doing well. Spring-born calves were growing well across the counties with the amount of winter pasture available. Horn flies started to show up in cow herds. Some grasshopper activity was reported and wild pigs were active.

FAR WEST: Parts of Glasscock County received between 0.3-1.3 inches. High winds associated with the storms toppled several telephone poles in the western part of the county while the southern part received small hail. Wheat looked good, and one last fungicide treatment may be needed on rust-susceptible varieties. Corn and sorghum was coming up, and soil moisture for the upcoming cotton crop was excellent. Howard County also received a surplus of rain and reported high winds that damaged crops, houses and barns. Preparation of cotton fields in Pecos County continued. Presidio County had cooler temperatures with freezing temperatures recorded in the northern part of the county. Most cattle were still on supplemental feeding due to very dry conditions. Reagan County received a good amount of rainfall which should improve pasture and range conditions. Ward County stayed warm and dry as spring livestock branding continued. Andrews County received light rains which benefited range and pasture conditions. Winkler and Loving counties received 0.5 inches of rain which resulted in the emergence of weeds, but range and pasture conditions looked good. Range and pasture conditions across the district were fair to good. Topsoil and subsoil moisture was surplus in the eastern part of the district and adequate in the western half of the district.

WEST CENTRAL: Most days were warm with cool nights. Rainfall was scattered to very heavy around the district. A few areas reported some hail. Producers were unable to go into the fields and evaluate crops due to wet conditions. Field conditions were expected to be unworkable for days. Tank and creeks were full from run-off. Weeds in pastures continue to be an issue. Many producers sprayed to control weeds as they prepared for warm-season grasses to emerge. Crops and fields benefitted from the rain, which will also provide a good seedbed for cotton planting next month. Some small grain fields were cut and baled. Spring seeded hay crops were planted before the rain, and more will be planted as fields dry out. Grain sorghum emerged well with recent moisture. Corn crops emerged and were in good condition. Wheat crops were in fair to good condition. Winter wheat perked up this week after the rainfall. Range and pasture conditions continued to improve. Pastures were green, and wildflowers were in full bloom. Warm-season grasses started to break dormancy. Livestock remained in fair to good condition. Yearling cattle on graze-out were getting heavy and were ready to go to market as prices held steady.

SOUTHEAST: Hay producers welcomed rains in Chambers County, but the same rains will slow rice plantings down. In Walker County, the rain helped forage grasses and gardens. In Hardin County, the weather was good which allowed workable conditions in the pastures and fields. Soil-moisture levels throughout the region varied widely, mostly in the adequate to surplus range with adequate being the most common. Walker County reported 100 percent adequate. Rangeland and pasture ratings varied widely too, mostly from excellent to good, with good ratings being the most common. San Jacinto County reported 100 percent good soil moisture.

SOUTHWEST: Some areas received significant rainfall which may affect crops. Pastures looked good. However, some areas received just enough rain to enhance spring green-up. Livestock was in fair condition, and spring shearing continued.

SOUTH: The eastern parts of Atascosa County received a good amount of rain – with more expected – and 100 percent of the planted corn crop has emerged. Oat crops were in good condition, and about 90 percent of sorghum crops were planted. Corn crops in Frio County progressed well. About 25 percent of the upland cotton crops were planted. All sorghum fields were planted, and oat crops were in good condition with 100 percent headed out. Soil moisture conditions remained mostly at 100 percent for the past week, with McMullen County reporting the least adequate soil moisture at about 70 percent. In Jim Wells County, 100 percent of corn crops were emerged, 70 percent of cotton upland has been planted and 90 percent of the sorghum crop had been planted. Crops were also doing well in Kleberg and Kenedy counties, where 100 percent of the corn crops emerged, 90 percent of cotton upland was planted and 100 percent of sorghum crops were planted. Soil moisture conditions were 75-100 percent adequate in the Jim Wells County area and 70-75 percent adequate in Kleberg and Kenedy counties. Range and pastures were in good condition. Days were suitable for good range and pasture conditions in the Dimmit County area. In Zavala County, 100 percent of corn crops were emerged, 100 percent of cotton upland was planted, and oats were in good condition with 100 percent of the crop headed. All sorghum crops were planted and in good condition. Soil moisture conditions were reported at 80-85 percent adequate in Dimmit County, 50 percent adequate in Zapata County and 100 percent adequate in the Zavala County area. Producers in Hidalgo County continued to harvest sugarcane, citrus and vegetables, and row crops needed rain. Irrigation of crops picked up throughout Hidalgo County, and 100 percent of corn had emerged while 100 percent of sorghum crops have been planted. In Starr County, 100 percent of all corn was planted and in good condition. Soil moisture conditions remained adequate, with Hidalgo County reporting 100 percent adequate subsoil moisture conditions and 90 percent short topsoil moisture conditions. Starr County soil moisture conditions remained at 90 percent adequate.

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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.