Though delayed in some areas by the rain, cotton, corn and hay harvests continued. However, the rain was a mixed blessing for those wanting to establish winter pastures.

In all, the extra moisture improved the chances for success but delayed planting, according to AgriLife Extension county agents for agriculture and natural resources. But even silver linings may have a cloud, and the rain was associated with problems in many areas. Where cotton had opened bolls, the wet weather might lower quality, and excessive rain was tied to armyworm outbreaks throughout the state.

"In the last couple of weeks we've had some wet, cool, drizzly weather that kind of hurt the cotton crop," said Ryan Martin, AgriLife Extension agent in Motley County, northeast of Lubbock.

But the real downside to the cool wet weather is that feral hogs seem to "flourish" in it, becoming more active and doing increased damage to crops, he said.

"In one cotton field, We looked at a producer’s 200-acre cotton field, and there was anywhere from 150 to 200 hogs on it," Martin said. "And they had just completely wrecked that field. If that farmer has any intention of harvesting the crop, then he's going to have to go in there and plow it out to get it somewhat smooth where he won't tear up harvest equipment."

Martin said the hogs root around the cotton plant, sometimes rooting it up.

"I take it they're after the root on the plant, maybe the grubs down there." he said.

Though there is a U.S. Department of Agriculture feral hog abatement program, it isn’t really designed for his area, Martin said.

"But you have to pay per acre to enroll your land in that program," he said. "It doesn't really work around here because if your neighbor is trying to get hogs in to sell for hunts, and here you are, enrolled in the program trying to keep the hogs off. It's just a constant back-and-forth fight."

Also, Martin said, the market for hog meat has fallen off. Fewer people are hunting and trapping, and the hog population continues to grow.

The following summaries were compiled by AgriLife Extension district reporters:

CENTRAL: Excessive rain slowed small-grain planting and harvesting of cotton. Fall armyworms caused severe damage to pastures and small grains in some counties. The pecan crop looked good, but growers were worried about disease issues because of all the moisture.

COASTAL BEND: Scattered rainfall contributed to the delayed harvest of sesame and sunflowers. Armyworms were a big problem in pastures and small grain fields, and producers were spraying. Hay harvesting was ongoing. Producers were actively planting ryegrass. Beef producers were searching for hay supplies for the over-wintering of cattle.

EAST: As much as 9 inches of rain fell across the region causing flooding in some areas. Wet field conditions put plans for one more cutting of hay on hold and delayed planting of winter pastures. Armyworms were reported, and feral hog activity increased. Livestock were in good condition, and producers continued to wean calves.

FAR WEST: The region had mild temperatures and no significant precipitation. Rangeland and pastures were in fair condition. Pecans were beginning to open in some orchards. Apples were ripe and the crop was reported as fair.

NORTH: Many counties had excessive rain, and soil moisture levels ranged from adequate to surplus. Because of the wet conditions, nearly all farming activity was at a standstill. Producers need several days of sunshine before they can get back in the fields. In the next one or two weeks, a large outbreak of armyworms is expected in response to the moisture. Some armyworm infestations already were in pastures and hay fields, but it was too wet to get spray rigs in the fields. The flooding drove feral hogs out of bottoms and into upland hay meadows and pastures. Livestock were in fair to good condition. The soybean and sorghum harvests were nearly completed. Winter wheat and oats were being planted. The cotton harvest was ongoing. Sweet-potato growers reported that the un-harvested crop was lost as excessive moisture soured potatoes in the ground. Rangeland and pastures were in poor to fair condition.

PANHANDLE: Weather was wet and wintery early in the reporting period then hot, dry and windy later. Damp conditions slowed harvests. Soil moisture remained short. Corn was 25 percent to 75 percent harvested, and producers were expecting high yields. Cotton looked good with 50 percent to 90 percent of bolls opened. Freezing weather in some counties left crops in questionable condition, especially late corn, cotton and sorghum. Peanuts were in good condition and were being dug, but combining had barely begun. Soybeans were dropping leaves and being harvested. The sunflower harvest began. Winter wheat was nearly completely planted, but emergence of the crop depended upon soil moisture levels. Oats were planted and emerged. Livestock were in good condition. Native cool-season grass was emerging in pastures. Some cattle were put on irrigated wheat fields.

ROLLING PLAINS: Rain-soaked fields postponed some small-grain planting and cotton harvesting. Pastures looked good with some growth of winter forages. The moisture slowed the peanut harvest for some growers and halted it for others. Armyworms continue to be a problem in many areas, though mostly in Bermuda grass pastures. Fly populations exploded and became a major nuisance. Wheat looked very good, but because of weather conditions, producers were warned to continue close monitoring for armyworms and green bugs. There were a few isolated reports of greenbug infestations. Rangeland and pastures looked exceptionally good, and cattle were in excellent shape heading into fall weaning. Stocker cattle numbers were expected to rise because of favorable wheat grazing conditions.

SOUTH: Mild temperatures and spotty showers have helped keep soil moisture at adequate levels throughout the region. Rangeland and pastures improved, but grass production was slowly declining due to cooler nighttime temperatures and shorter days. With increased forage growth, producers decreased supplemental feeding. This allowed ranchers to reduce the culling of herds and hold on to their best cattle. The peanut harvest was under way. Planting of wheat and oats was completed. In the northern part of the region, field work in preparation for the 2010 crop season continued. In the eastern parts of the region, some producers were planting rye for winter grazing. The harvesting of early planted fields of cabbage was ongoing. Also in the east, producers were planting spinach and onions. In nearly every county, producers were fighting to save pastures, oat and wheat fields from armyworms.

SOUTH PLAINS: Soil moisture was short to adequate. Fields dried out and producers continued or prepared for harvest. The corn harvest was ongoing with good yields. Peanut and sunflower harvests continued. Producers were applying harvest aids to cotton fields. Growers continued planting winter wheat. Irrigated wheat for grazing looked good. Pastures and rangeland were in fair to good condition. Cattle were reported in mostly good condition, with continued supplemental feeding.

SOUTHEAST: Parts of the region received substantial rains, but cooler nights slowed the growth of the Bermuda grass pastures. Armyworms were reported in Brazoria County. Many producers were cutting and baling hay, with yields expected to be moderate to high. For many producers, this will be the only cutting of the year. Producers were actively planting ryegrass for winter pastures.

SOUTHWEST: The region received 6-10 inches of rain. However, the total year-to-date cumulative rainfall remained below the long-term average. The rain and cool weather improved forages and the overall agricultural situation, and made possible small grain planting. The fall sweet-corn harvest was ongoing and expected to extend into November. Fall-planted cabbage, pickling cucumbers, green beans and spinach made good progress. Some green beans were harvested, and the fall cabbage harvest was in full swing. The peanut harvest was gradually gaining momentum, while the pecan harvest was peaking with good quality reported.

WEST CENTRAL: Days and nights cooled. Scattered rains were reported. Cotton was doing very well, and harvest started in some areas. Wheat was also doing well thanks to recent rains. Winter small grains were off to a good start. Rangeland and pastures continue to improve. Livestock were fair to good condition.