Texas crop, weather

high winds, 40 mph or better in some areas, dried out topsoils and crops. In some parts of the state, the windy weather was welcome as it dried out fields and allowed planting preparations. (Texas AgriLife Extension Service photo by Robert Burns) COLLEGE STATION - - If there was a common theme to Texas weather this week it was wind, and then more wind, according to Texas AgriLife Extension Service personnel.

In some cases, the wind was welcome as it dried out fields and allowed producers to plant or prepare to plant spring crops. In other cases, from Far West to Southeast Texas, high winds dried out topsoils, laid down crops and made spraying pesticides difficult.

In the worst cases, high winds -- possibly even tornadoes -- toppled center-pivot irrigation systems and damaged other structures.

"Can you say wind?" said Rick Auckerman, AgriLThe ife Extension agent for Deaf Smith County, west of Amarillo. "Deaf Smith County has been pummeled this week with 40-60 mph winds making the main concern of the week to try and control the fields from blowing."

"Scattered showers have brought us little drops of rain here and there," said Anthony Munoz, AgriLife Extension agent for Knox County, west of Wichita Falls. "Although it hasn't been enough to slow some of the sand and dirt that has been flying around with some of the high winds we have seen this past week."

"We're still dealing with windy conditions," said Byron Gray , AgriLife Extension agent for Throckmorton County, north of Abilene. "Wind has made it tough for those who were aerially spraying."

"It was windy all week long, with several gusts over 40-45 mph," said Arlan Gentry, AgriLife Extension agent for Ward County, west of Midland. "Most pastures and rangeland were fair to good with more greening, but high winds and higher temperatures are taking their toll on some places. Most residents are getting tired of this wind; it's almost May. Wildfires are still a danger because of windy conditions and lots of old, dry fuel: grass."

"The past week had extremely high winds across the area," said Pasquale Swaner, AgriLife Extension agent for Falls County, east of Temple. "Pasture conditions are improving with temperatures rising. Wind is laying down the small corn plants due to underdeveloped roots."

"There was some damage depending on where you lived in McLennan county from high winds - - possibly tornado activity this past week," said Shane McLellan, AgriLife Extension agent for McLennan County, Waco. "Some areas lost many large live oak trees. Some houses along the Brazos River were destroyed."

"High winds and hot days have taken much of the topsoil moisture," said Armon Hewitt, AgriLife Extension agent for Trinity County, southwest of Lufkin. "Many producers fertilized their hay fields this week hoping for the rains predicted in the forecast."