Warmer weather is on the docket for much of the South next week, with some 90+ degree temperatures expected for Texas.
U.S. Dept. of Agriculture (USDA) Meteorologist Brad Rippey says we are heading into spring rather quickly and ahead of schedule. He shares the implications for small grains and blooming fruit crops.
“You do have to consider the fact that these crops, as well as some of the grasses, are moving along at a pace that’s a week or two at least ahead of schedule. It does open up the possibility that we could see damaging spring freezes even with a normal spring freeze, and certainly if we had a sharp or later than average cold outbreak. That is a concern for things like winter wheat in the south, blooming fruit crops as well as ornamentals — all of which can be pushed along by this warm spring weather.”
Brad Rippey, USDA Meteorologist
Rippey says December was the warmest December on record, then we had a brief cold outbreak in January and now we are on track for another record setting warm month in February.
Related Stories
Dry weather and limited freeze damage are helping produce some of the best blueberry quality growers have seen in years.
Wheat Harvest Begins As Drought Challenges Livestock Regions
LSU economist Dr. Michael Deliberto says fewer planted acres could tighten supplies and support prices for producers.
Markets have been slow to respond as crop stress worsens across major winter wheat regions, where quality ratings have fallen to multi-decade lows.
Producers say limited moisture is creating major challenges for crops and irrigation heading into summer.
The family operation says recent storms brought needed rain but also major damage across the farm.
