http://droughtreporter.unl.edu/

v 2.4.3.0

Hot conditions in Southwest Texas were taking a toll on soil moisture. Temperatures reached 105 degrees with no rainfall reported. A cool front was in the forecast with a chance of rain. Corn and grain sorghum harvests continue with average yields reported. Cotton harvest is set to start next week. Pecan orchards continued to progress, and aphid populations remained relatively low. However, parasitic wasp populations were particularly high in some orchards. Pastures and rangelands continued to decline, and a burn ban was in effect. Some hay was being cut. The intense heat and lack of moisture caused stress for livestock seeking shade instead of grazing. Lamb and goat weaning was underway, and livestock were in fair condition. Producers were heavily culling herds again and supplementing both livestock and wildlife. Whitetail deer remained active but have slowed down a bit due to the heat. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Aug 27, 2024 Conditions were hot and dry in Southwest Texas, and most areas received trace amounts of rainfall. Cotton harvest resumed, but quality issues due to wet conditions were reported. Corn and sorghum harvests were complete, and producers reported average to above average yields. Rice harvest progressed with mixed yield outcomes reported, and grain sorghum harvest should conclude in two weeks, weather permitting. Hay baling continued, but quality was lower, and producers were spraying for armyworms. Range and pasture conditions looked good, but some areas were showing heat and drought stress. Livestock were in good condition with strong cattle prices. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Aug 13, 2024 Southwest Texas experienced moderate humidity and 90-degree temperatures with the hot and dry weather decreasing moisture conditions. Sorghum fields were ready for harvest, and corn was still maturing and completing the dough stage, with harvest anticipated to follow soon after sorghum. Hay fields were recovering for a second cutting. Pastures greened up slightly with last week’s rainfall and were in short but fair condition. However, the ongoing heat continues to wear down livestock and pasture. Overall, pasture, range and row crop conditions were from good to excellent. Livestock markets were rising, and early weaning was likely. A few fawns have been spotted alongside their mothers, and bobwhite quail were seen pairing up. Producers were starting to supplement heavily again. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), July 2, 2024