White pumpkins are also available, along with ornamental winter squashes. There are squashes that are reddish in color and blue hubbard squashes - there is just so much variety. Roberts said growers also are producing ornamental corn, turnips, rutabagas and carrots. In Far West Texas, farmers are beginning to harvest cotton. District Extension director Charles Neeb of Fort Stockton said yields will be below normal.
Armyworms are a problem in Central Texas, and many wheat stands have been destroyed.
District Extension director Ronald Woolley of Stephenville said many of the fields will need to be replanted. Many oat fields are infested with armyworms and some producers are just waiting to plant their wheat, he said. Rains in South Texas have promoted regrowth and some fall corn has been planted. District Extension director Terry Lockamy of Weslaco said pasture conditions continue to improve. Growth is steady with minimal insect problems at this stage, he said.