http://droughtreporter.unl.edu/

v 2.4.3.0

Multiple counties in Southeast Texas had scattered showers but were experiencing exceptional drought conditions. Rice was beginning to be cut after the small break due to the wet conditions during planting. Producers were hoping for one more hay cutting, but chances were looking slim. Cattle were brought to local auction barns as producers continued culling their herds due to the lack of grass/hay. Calf prices lowered slightly, but the market was still very favorable. Several tree species were hitting early dormancy due to the lack of rain; some showed drought stress. Grasshoppers continued increasing in numbers. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Sept 12, 2023 Southeast Texas experienced scattered rainfall, but not enough to improve the conditions of rangelands and pastures. Hay production was very low in bales per acre. Many farmers were harvesting rice straw. Pecan trees began shedding nuts, and irrigated cotton was holding firm while dryland cotton was struggling. Madison County allowed producers to contact U.S. Department of Agriculture-Farm Service Agency offices to apply for assistance. Dry conditions continued to drive cattle to the local market. Producers continued supplemental feeding and hauling water to the animals they kept. Available surface water was at 75% as bayous and creeks that have never been dry were extremely low, with cracks in some areas. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Aug 29, 2023 Temperatures were above 100 degrees daily in Southeast Texas, and the lack of rain continued to be a concern. Soil moisture levels were very short to adequate. Burn bans continued, and fire risks were high. Some grassfires were reported. Ponds were drying up quickly, and some producers started feeding hay. Hay production was at a standstill due to drought. Most producers were predicting a hay shortage for this fall/winter, and prices were increasing. Most producers were already feeding hay and cubes because of the lack of forage. High volumes of cattle were going to market, and prices were holding firm. Corn harvest continued with yields holding strong with some reports ranging from 140-180 bushels per acre. Irrigated cotton was healthy, but non-irrigated was showing signs of stress. Cotton harvest was expected to be a month later than usual in some areas. Rice harvest continued, but some producers worried ratoon crops may dry out before water is reapplied. Trees were dying due to drought conditions. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Aug 15, 2023 Conditions in Southeast Texas were extremely dry and hot with temperatures over 100 degrees daily. Heat indexes continued to be around 110 degrees. One area reported some rainfall. Soil moisture levels were very short to adequate with most areas reporting very short to short conditions. No rain was in the forecast. Burn bans were being put into effect. Walnut caterpillars were prevalent. Corn and sorghum harvests continued, and cotton looked in fair to good condition. Rice harvest was underway and expected to ramp up. Some rice harvesting may be delayed based on planting dates. Pastures and rangelands needed rain, and forage availability was decreasing. Cattle prices were steady. Hay production continued but had slowed down. Bales were beginning to be moved and fed to livestock. Ponds and stock tank water levels were declining. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Aug 1, 2023