Unseasonal rains affecting ag production

By KARI KRAMER | East Texas Edition

Better hurry ... This hay producer completes the last round of fluffing his downed hay as rain clouds encompass the horizon. Many producers are having difficulty getting their second cutting of hay due to rain. While the grass continues to grow taller, which could increase yields, the quality may be affected . -- Staff photo

July 1 ,2004 -- For most of Northeast Texas, rain has been a common occurrence lately. According to Forecaster Morgan Palmer at KLTV in Tyler, rainfall for June was 187 percent above average. In June some areas received 4.79 inches of rain which was almost twice the norm for June. Palmer added that even with increased rainfall in June, Northeast Texas is now right on schedule for normal annual totals.

The rains have encouraged some agricultural endeavors but often leaves producers wondering what step to take next. Hay production, peach crops, and insect populations can be heavily influenced by the wet weather, but there are steps producers can take to curve any negative effects.

The rainy weather is a problem for some hay producers. Van Zandt County Extension Agent Brian Cummins said, "Everybody's cutting is way off." He attributed the season's initial hay production problems to a dry spring and cool nights that continued on through May. These factors limited grass growth and Cummins pointed out that in some areas production is only half of what it was last year at this time.

"The second cutting should be better because of the rain," said Cummins. He noted the rain was beneficial because it would create an increase in production yields. Cummins suggested a forage analysis be used to determine the quality of the hay, which would determine the amount of suplemental feed this fall and winter.

While some area producers are concerned with rainfall amounts, Texas peaches are thriving. Keith Hansen is the county Extension horticulture agent in Smith County and he feels optimistic about this year's peach crop.

"The rainfall is good in the respect that it keeps trees in unirrigated orchards out of drought stress, and helped bring the peach crop through their critical stages of development. It also helps with overall tree health, promoting stronger root system and leaves.

Hansen admitted some varieties may experience a reduction in quality when the prolonged rainfall occurs near harvesting stages, and sugar especially could be diluted with the continued rainfall. He added that not all varieties will respond negatively and most types will be fine once the sun comes out. "Reports are that flavor is not off very much, if at all, for most of the crop," said Hansen.

"Later ripening peaches should be excellent quality if the rain lets up. The rain does bring more disease pressure, resulting in growers needing to be very diligent in keeping up with their spray program to keep the fruit clean through the use of fungicides, and free of brown rot, a troublesome disease in humid, wet weather."

Despite the potential problems, Hansen felt the rain was great for peach trees in the long term.

The rain may not be so great when it comes to insect populations. Dr. Allen Knutson, Extension entomologist in Dallas, said, "The first thing that comes to mind regarding effect of rain on insects is mosquitoes. Rain collecting in containers and poorly-drained areas will provide breeding sites for mosquitoes. Frequent rains will keep these areas wetter longer into June than normal and add to the number of adult mosquitoes as long as the rainy weather continues."

Knutson suggested that to decrease the problem, sites that collect water should be drained after every rain. Flower pots, tarps, old tires, plugged rain gutters, and bird baths were a few popular mosquito locations.

Another insect that may thrive as a result of wet conditions is the fire ant. According to Knutson, fire ants become avid mound builders in wet weather and as a result will be more evident in hot and dry months that may be ahead. He said that while boll weevils with thrive in wet conditions, the rain will discourage the development of spider mite, chinch bug and grasshopper populations. He added that some fungi and diseases will increase in wet conditions and attack some pest species.

"Even though some insect pests may increase, I think area producers are glad to have the rain as row crops and forages are growing very well with the additional moisture. In general, fast growing, healthy crops tolerate insect pests better than drought stressed crops, and the greater yield potential improves the potential return when pesticides are needed to protect crops," said Knutson.

The rain has producers rearranging production schedules, battling insects and diseases, and attempting to maintain crop quality; yet the rain also brings some benefits. Beneficial insect populations will increase, as will many crop yields. With or without rain, production will continue in Northeast Texas.