http://droughtreporter.unl.edu/

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The cotton crop was about 80% harvested in South Texas, with others still defoliating in hopes of harvesting in the next few weeks. The stalk destruction deadline was approaching quickly, with no extension being planned. Pastures continued to suffer due to the hot and dry conditions. Irrigation districts were reaching a critical point regarding water availability, with almost certain water restrictions to come soon. Forages in rangelands and pastures were beginning to improve. Rapid green-up was already noted, and most were hopeful there was still enough time this season to produce some grass. Beef cattle markets continued to run average volumes and reported solid prices for all classes of beef cattle. All corn and grain sorghum were harvested with very little cotton left in the field, and sunflower and sesame harvest had yet to start. Livestock managers hoped for enough green-up from rains to limit haying and reduce supplemental feeding. Farmers began preparing fields for the next planting season. Stock tanks were slightly replenished. Cotton harvest continued, and it looked to be 75% harvested. Sesame harvest also continued. Citrus, sugarcane and hay meadows continued to be irrigated. Wildlife were abundant and found near water sources. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Aug 29, 2023 Conditions in South Texas remained hot and dry, and topsoil and subsoil moisture was very short. Most corn and sorghum fields were harvested with some very late planted fields remaining. Cotton fields without irrigation were suffering due to the extreme heat and dry conditions. Cotton harvest was in full swing in some areas. Poor cotton yields were expected in many areas. Peanut crops were under irrigation. Corn, grain sorghum, sunflowers and soybeans were harvested. Citrus and sugarcane continued to receive irrigation. Watermelon and cantaloupe harvests continued. Producers were baling irrigated Bermuda grass fields. Grain stubble was being harvested and baled. Fieldwork was underway for next season’s crop. Pastures were in poor condition unless irrigated. Rangeland was in very poor to poor condition. Hay bales were being trucked around the district, and prices were $70-$80 per round bale. Cattle producers were supplementing with hay and protein. Many ponds were completely dry, and some producers were hauling water for livestock and wildlife. Higher volumes of cattle were being sold at auctions, and prices were steady. Many coveys of quail were spotted on ranches. Fawns were spotted and wildlife were staying close to water sources. A good dove season was predicted, and hunters were spotted hauling water and supplemental feed for wildlife on ranches they hunt. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Aug 15, 2023 Conditions were hot and dry in South Texas. Soil conditions were very short. A few scattered showers delivered up to half an inch of rain. Sorghum fields reached maturity and harvest should begin soon. Corn harvest started. Some areas were wrapping up sorghum and corn harvests. Irrigated cotton fields were extremely stressed due to high temperatures. Some cotton was setting bolls. Peanut crops continued to progress and develop pods under irrigation, but some fields were struggling. Sesame fields looked good, and sunflowers were drying down. Fieldwork for strawberries continued but rain was needed for soil preparation. Irrigated watermelons and cantaloupes were in good condition. Pecan orchards continued to progress. Citrus and sugarcane were being irrigated, and vegetable farmers were preparing fields. Irrigated Bermuda grass fields were cut and baled. Rangeland and pasture conditions continued to decline and stress due to high temperatures. Grazing was limited, and producers were feeding livestock hay and cubes. Feed prices were high. Stock tanks were declining, and beef cattle producers were thinning herds. Cattle prices were high, and one report showed a slight decline in sale volumes. Wildlife were in fair condition but reliant on landowner water sources. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Aug 1, 2023