http://droughtreporter.unl.edu/

v 2.4.3.0

Conditions in South Texas ranged from cool to mild and humid with some areas receiving rain while others received little to none. The rain should benefit forage production and help forage sorghum crops. Strawberry crops were slow. Wheat and oat crops were being prepared for harvest while corn continued to develop and cotton planting was complete in some areas. Corn and grain sorghum crops in some areas were starting to stress and yield potential was shrinking due to windy, warm and dry conditions, while others were progressing well with most corn at the silking stage and grain sorghum in the soft dough stage. Cotton plants were growing well but will need to be watered once plant height increases. Row crops in some areas looked good but will need some rain soon for good yields. Onions were still being harvested and citrus was being irrigated. Some hay meadows were being irrigated and some have been baled. Sugar cane aphids were causing issues for sorghum acres, but other crops remained pest-free for the most part. Pastures remained in fair to good condition but were starting to slowly deteriorate due to the lack of moisture. In Maverick County, planted crops were emerging as normal and the coastal Bermuda was producing good hay bales. Irrigation water from the local canal system was being reduced in Maverick County due to the current drought and lack of water in the Rio Bravo River. Beef cattle producers were closely monitoring their herd size to maintain their range and pasture conditions. Beef cattle prices remained high and looked to stay that way due to lower overall numbers. In Live Oak County, ranchers were still actively selling their cattle and prices suffered some due to highly pathogenic avian influenza, which was found in a few dairy herds throughout the U.S. Livestock and wildlife continued to flourish thanks to good range and pasture conditions in late winter and early spring. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), April 30, 2024 Weather conditions in South Texas were mild with scattered thunderstorms. Producers reported an average of 1 inch of rainfall. Wheat crops were reaching maturity and beginning to turn brown. Corn crops continued to progress under irrigation. Citrus trees set their fruit for the year. Cotton planting continued. Pasture and rangeland conditions were slowly improving with increased moisture. Hay fields were under irrigation as producers prepared for the next cutting. Pasture availability was good, but supplemental feeding continued for all livestock. Most cattle have improved body scores this spring, and calves were growing nicely. Cattle sales slowed the last few weeks due to weaker prices and above-average grazing conditions. Wildlife were thriving with the excellent rangeland and pasture conditions this spring. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), April 16, 2024 Conditions were favorable in South Texas, with enough rain to encourage planting row crops and to allow pastures to green up. More rain was needed to help those pastures fully recover. Strawberry production was in full swing. Corn crops emerged while wheat and oat crops were in the dough stage. Onions and citrus were being harvested. Most cotton has been planted. Producers were busy spraying weeds, fertilizing pastures and planting hay grazers. Local beef cattle markets were sustaining average to above-average offerings of cattle with notable price increases for all classes of beef cattle. Wildlife was doing well. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), April 2, 2024 Weather conditions throughout South Texas were mild with scattered showers over the weekend. Strawberry production was taking place, and corn planting continued. Wheat and oat crops began heading under irrigation. Onions, citrus and cool-season vegetables were being harvested. Watermelons were being planted. Pasture and rangeland conditions were fair. Bermuda grass was greening up. Stock tanks were low. Producers continued supplemental feeding for their herds. Local markets remained strong and steady for all classes of beef cattle. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), March 19, 2024