Climatologist looks for better weather trends for much of Texas this winter.
Recent rainfall has been beneficial to struggling wheat crops throughout the state. SHELLEY E. HUGULEY
Recent rainfall and cooler temperatures allowed Texas producers to plant cool-season crops and get root systems established before winter.
Brighter outlook
Throughout the last week, different areas across the state other than the Far West and Panhandle regions, received around 2 inches of rain on average, with some areas getting 3 to 5 inches of rain.
Forecasts called for more rain and colder temperatures, which will continue to improve soil moisture conditions.
Coming out of the second hottest summer for Texas, we have seen warmer-than-average temperatures until now.
Entering the winter season, outlooks are showing an equal chance for above or below-normal temperatures, with a higher probability for precipitation entering into the El Niño pattern.
Beneficial weather changes
This year, though, the lack of rainfall, coupled with heat stress through the late summer months and into the fall, resulted in much of the cotton acreage failing or with extremely low yields.
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Recent rainfall could lead to increase in armyworms
Recent rains and cooler temperatures have been a welcome relief across the state, but they’ve also brought an unwanted pest—armyworms.
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service experts encourage farmers and ranchers to scout their fields frequently to prevent widespread damage.
Areas receiving rain will see grass growth that could fuel armyworm populations. If producers aren’t proactive in treating fields, armyworms can cause significant damage to pastures and rangeland, which is problematic for cattle operations dealing with short hay and forage supplies due to drought.
Armyworms can be picky eaters; these insects are going to select well-fertilized or irrigated forages to feed on.
Winter wheat, annual ryegrass and other small grains have been found to be at higher risk of armyworm infestations.
Ranchers are encouraged to look for armyworms that are green with brown or black patterns and are identified by the white inverted Y on their heads.
Producers should walk through their fields at dawn, when armyworms are most likely to be active and see if the population size warrants treatment with an insecticide,” Corriher-Olson said.
AgriLife experts advise ranchers to treat forages that have more than three armyworms per square foot.
If not treated immediately, they could ruin an entire field overnight, he said.
This year has been mostly dry, so the armyworm population may not be as high. Recent rains can encourage the rise in armyworm infestations, so it is important to be on the lookout.