http://droughtreporter.unl.edu/

v 2.4.3.0

Weather conditions remained cool throughout South Texas. Numerous counties received 1-2 inches of rain. Rangelands and pastures were trying to grow, but more moisture was needed. Small grains were being planted and continued to develop under irrigation. Peanut harvest was completed. Fall vegetable crops continued producing. Strawberry planting was completed, and the crop looked strong. Producers continued supplemental feeding of cattle and slowed culling their herds. The beef cattle market reported below-average volumes but continued high prices for all classes of beef cattle. White-tailed deer, turkeys and doves were active and abundant this season. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Nov 28, 2023 Weather conditions continued to cool down across South Texas, and beneficial rainfall was received. Some producers were continuing peanut harvest, small winter grain planting continued and some previously planted were emerging. Pecan harvest was reported as good. Producers started cutting hay and have hopes of a second cutting with the recent rainfall. Beef cattle producers continued supplemental feeding and culling their herds. Local markets were offering average volumes of cattle. Turkey and deer were moving and more visible as cooler temperatures approached. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Nov 14, 2023 Temperatures dropped, and moisture swept across South Texas. Strawberry planting was in full swing. Harvest of peanuts and fall sorghum began. Citrus and sugarcane crops were being harvested. Cotton harvest was completed. Winter wheat crops were planted with many already emerging. Pastures and rangelands were improving with the rain, but more was needed as they entered their winter dormancy period. Producers slowed culling their herds and continued supplemental feeding. Hay supplies were short, and many were concerned that there would not be enough for the coming winter season. Local beef markets reported above-average volumes with solid prices for all classes of beef cattle. White-tailed deer were moving, sights of wildlife were increasing, and deer and quail hunters were expecting a good season. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Oct 31, 2023 The recent cool down and rainfall improved rangeland and pasture conditions in South Texas. With the recent rain, producers noticed fall armyworm populations rising. Cotton harvest was completed, but peanuts were still being harvested. Plastic was being put down for strawberries, and harvest was completed for the season on vegetables and coastal Bermuda. Supplemental feeding continued for livestock. Wildlife benefitted from the moisture, quality of forage and cover. Cattle sales slowed due to improved pasture conditions and less cow culling. Preparation for hunting season began, with many landowners preparing for wildlife population surveys. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Oct 17, 2023 Most of South Texas remained in moderate drought conditions after scattered rain showers delivered anywhere from 0.5-2 inches. Pastures were greening up, and temperatures remained in the mid- to upper-90s. Feed prices were high as ranchers and deer breeders supplemented livestock and wildlife. Many ranchers purchased hay they could find in preparation for the winter months. Quail populations looked healthy, and dove hunters were experiencing good hunts. Deer were plentiful, and many fawns were seen. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Oct 3, 2023