http://droughtreporter.unl.edu/

v 2.4.3.0

Hot and dry conditions persisted in Southwest Texas, with daytime temperatures exceeding 100 degrees for most of the week. Some areas reported scattered showers for the weekend, from minimal measurable accumulations to about one-fifth of an inch of rain. The pecan yield was expected to be low during harvest, even among irrigated orchards. The few signs of green grass were shrinking; the only green grass left was in shaded areas of trees and structures. There was an estimated 3% loss of trees and shrubs in pastures, and many live oak trees turned brown. Water well companies were working tirelessly, lowering pumps in wells if possible. Pastures were browning quickly. Rangelands and pasture conditions had deteriorated to necessitate supplemental feeding. Cattle operations continued thinning herds to cut feed costs. Livestock and wildlife were still in good condition with supplemental feeding. Livestock markets looked surprisingly strong and were in mostly fair condition. Dove hunters were pleasantly surprised with the number of doves seen this week. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Sept 12, 2023 Extreme heat conditions persisted in Southwest Texas for the week. Some areas reported spotty showers of rainfall, which was a relief from the record-breaking temperatures. Remnants of Tropical Storm Harold scattered between 1.25-2.5 inches throughout Kinney County. Cooler and more seasonal temperatures were experienced for a couple of days. Pastures were responding well to the recent rainfall. Sutton County reported spotty showers and less than half of an inch received. Production of most range plants stopped due to drought conditions, and rainfed ponds were mostly dried out. The expected pecan yield was low overall due to insufficient water supplementing irrigation. Caldwell County received no rain this week. Caldwell County and 24 other counties in Texas were declared to be under a state of emergency for severe drought. Cattle markets remained strong. Livestock were in fair condition. Supplemental feeding was necessary for most livestock producers. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Aug 29, 2023 Record-breaking high temperatures and dry conditions continued in Southwest Texas. Over 100 acres were burned by a wildfire near Bastrop. Drought conditions and extreme heat have caused several major fires in Caldwell County as well. Hay production had mostly stopped, and supplemental feeding became more widespread. Sorghum harvest was complete, and corn harvest continued with average to above average yields reported. Irrigated cotton fields were doing well. Pastures continued to decline, and trees were shutting down and shedding leaves in the harsher conditions. Pastures were extremely dry, and producers were culling herds deeper and deeper. Livestock were in fair condition. Cattle, sheep and goat markets remained strong even with the lack or forage. Weaning should help ease some grazing pressure. Producers were supplementing both livestock and wildlife heavily. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Aug 15, 2023 Daily temperatures were 100-plus degrees in Southwest Texas. The intense heat and lack of rain continued to negatively impact agriculture and rangelands. Grain sorghum and corn harvests began on the earlier planted fields, and most fields were mature. Corn harvest was nearing completion in some areas. Good-to-average sorghum yields were reported in some areas. Hay was available but expensive. Cotton was in rough shape. Warm-season pastures were going dormant. Rangeland and pastures continued to decline with extreme heat and dry conditions. Livestock and wildlife were starting to show stress. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Aug 1, 2023