http://droughtreporter.unl.edu/

v 2.4.3.0

A few areas of the Coastal Bend reported isolated storms bringing less than a half inch of rain. Some damaging winds were reported in Wharton County. High temperatures and lack of additional rain dried out most fields, allowing producers to continue stalk destruction and preparing the soil for the growing season. Most cotton harvest was completed. Some rice fields were being irrigated for the ratoon crop. Wharton County reported rice acreage was down 40% from last year due to unavailable surface water for irrigation. More than 20,000 acres of rice were reported as prevented planting in 2023 due to unavailable irrigation water. Livestock producers continued culling herds and selling calves due to poor pastures and limited water availability. Some cattle producers tried to feed their way through the drought with hay and protein supplements. Pasture conditions were poor, and hay supplies were critically low. Hay was costly, if it could be found. Livestock markets continued holding firm, even with higher numbers of cattle selling. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Sept 12, 2023 Widespread rainfall from a tropical system benefited much of the Coastal Bend. However, it did little to offset drought. Matagorda County was declared a natural disaster area due to recent drought. The threat of wildfires was very high. Most row crop harvests were completed, apart from some cotton and rice. Most producers were working on stalk destruction of cotton and disking corn stalks. Triple-digit temperatures continued to deteriorate rangelands and pastures. Livestock markets remained strong, and large runs on cattle kept auctions busy. Many producers were trying to hang on to their cattle and were feeding hay and supplements. Hay was being transported, much of it coming as crop stubble out of the Rio Grande Valley and the rice-growing areas. Producers were keeping an eye on stock water sources. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Aug 29, 2023 Excessive heat and lack of moisture continued to exacerbate the drought. All areas needed rainfall. The dry weather was good for producers during cotton harvest. Yields thus far were mixed with some reporting below average yields but most reporting better than expected outcomes. Rice harvest was about half complete, and corn harvest was nearly done. Rangeland and pasture conditions continued to deteriorate. Grasses were becoming dry and crunchy. Livestock continued to look better than expected in most cases. Cattle market prices were still at historic highs. Livestock inventory numbers were shrinking as some ranchers were feeding hay. Hay production had halted. Many beef producers were purchasing crop residue hay from other areas. Ponds in many areas were dry, and there was a lot of attention being directed toward making sure water troughs were functioning. Commercial and homeowner pecan trees were shedding nuts despite irrigation. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Aug 15, 2023 Hot and dry conditions prevailed in the Coastal Bend. Heavy corn and sorghum yields were being reported. Cotton needed rain, and conditions were declining. Rice harvest was well underway. Hay harvesting was still in full swing; however, without more rain there may be only one cutting this season. Pastures and rangelands were drying up fast. Burn bans were in effect for many areas due to extremely dry conditions. Supplemental feeding of cattle was taking place in some areas. Livestock were doing well, and prices remained strong at auctions. Many ranchers were selling calves early to reduce stress on cows and pastures. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Aug 1, 2023