http://droughtreporter.unl.edu/

v 2.4.3.0

Dry conditions and limited precipitation continued in Southwest Texas. There were some improvements in rangeland soil moisture due to recent rains. The planted fields of wheat and oats emerged and looked good, but additional rain was still needed for optimal growth. Moisture conditions improved with scattered showers. Pastures were greening, although growth was limited due to cooler nighttime temperatures. Limited surface water and stream flow were a concern. Livestock responded positively to improved rangeland conditions in some areas. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Nov 28, 2023 Weather conditions in Southwest Texas were cooler and drizzly, with slow and steady rains providing much-needed moisture in some areas. Precipitation amounts varied, with reports ranged from 0.1 to 2.75 inches. However, there were still areas experiencing dry conditions. The cool and damp conditions at the end of the week impacted livestock markets, causing prices to be slightly lower. Wheat appeared to be in good condition and fully emerged. Some armyworm pressure was observed, likely due to the previous week’s rainfall. Wheat plantings were beginning to increase, and the moisture was expected to benefit the cool-season fields of wheat and oats and rangeland growth. The rains helped the fall corn crop and provided much-needed moisture for winter vegetables, oats and wheat crops. Rainfall continued in the area as the cotton harvest began to round out. Despite the rain, the region was still considered short on moisture. Rangeland conditions were improving, and winter wheat planting was nearing completion. Producers were providing supplemental feed for livestock, and there was a slowdown in shipping stock. Livestock were reported to be in fair condition. Hunters reported average antler growth and average body condition for recent harvests. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Nov 14, 2023 Southwest Texas received an average of 5 inches of rain, with an accompanying cold front dropping temperatures to the mid-40s. Winter wheat was slow to start but will benefit from recent rainfall. Winter weeds were beginning to emerge in bare ground. Cotton harvest was in progress. Rangeland and pasture conditions were still primarily poor. Pecan orchards were preparing for harvest, with a few minor cases of pecan scab in some orchards. Livestock markets remained steady to higher for cattle but low for sheep and goats. Producers continued supplemental feeding for livestock throughout the district. Deer were reported to be in good shape. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Oct 31, 2023 Southwest Texas had variable precipitation. Despite the rainfall and cooler temperatures, drought conditions persisted. Farmers were preparing for wheat plantings, and oats were being planted. Supplemental feeding continued for livestock. Deer body conditions were expected to improve with the growth of greener forages. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Oct 17, 2023 Hot, dry conditions persisted in Southwest Texas with isolated showers providing minimal relief. The reported average rainfall for the week was a half inch, with more chances of rain in the forecast. Many gardeners gave up on planting for the year. Cotton harvest was underway, and winter wheat emerged despite challenging growing conditions. Producers continued to sell livestock, and markets were holding steady. The supplementing livestock continued due to the lack of sufficient forage on rangelands. The ongoing dry conditions were taking a toll on vegetation, with trees and brush turning brown and grass essentially nonexistent. Diet supplementation was critical as sheep and goat breeding season began. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Oct 3, 2023