http://droughtreporter.unl.edu/

v 2.4.3.0

Soil moisture levels in Southeast Texas were adequate to very short. Most of the counties implemented burn bans due to extremely dry conditions. Conditions were hot and dry, but there were chances of rainfall in the forecast for some areas. Planting winter forages like ryegrass and oats was delayed due to drought conditions. The lack of winter grazing may cause an increased demand for hay this winter. Pastures were getting dry, and the pond levels were dropping. Rangeland and pasture ratings varied from fair to very poor. The cotton harvest was wrapping up. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Oct 29, 2024 Drought conditions continued in Southeast Texas, and burn bans were initiated. Cotton harvest continued and was nearing completion in some counties. Pastures and available forage continued to decline. Soil moisture levels throughout the district were very short to adequate to very short. The first crop rice harvest was wrapping up. A cold front with lower humidity levels was in the forecast, raising concerns for wildfires. Rangeland and pasture ratings varied from poor to fair. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Oct 16, 2024 Some areas of Southeast Texas received showers, but many counties experienced a lack of rain, leading to increased drought conditions and signs of stress in pastures. Available forages for grazing were limited and some pastures looked overgrazed. Some teal ducks were spotted over rice fields. The last round of summer forage harvest continued. Most cotton was defoliated in preparation for harvest, while cotton harvest wrapped in some areas with yields averaging 3 bales per acre. Rice harvest progressed, but the last rice was not maturing as quickly as farmers would like. Some organic and late-planted conventional rice remained unharvested. The corn harvest was complete, with one county reporting yields over 140 bushels per acre. Most pastures, ponds and cattle were still in good shape. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Oct 1, 2024 Parts of Southeast Texas experienced drought and excessive temperatures. Soil moisture levels ranged from very short to adequate. Montgomery, Hardin and San Jacinto counties received some moisture, which benefited growing conditions in forage production around the district. Corn and sorghum harvests were complete, and cotton harvest neared completion. Rangeland and pastures were poor to excellent. Ryegrass was planted, but pastures were showing signs of drought stress. There were reports of fall armyworm damage. Some hay producers started a third cutting, and there was an abundance of round bales and standing pasture for winter. The rice harvest was delayed due to rain and a bottleneck at the commercial dryers but restarted later in the week. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Sept 17, 2024