http://droughtreporter.unl.edu/

v 2.4.3.0

Drought conditions affected Central Texas, and conditions were declining. Temperatures were cooler in the morning but warmed up to near- or record-high temperatures. Most pastures were in fair condition but were starting to show signs of stress. Stock tanks continued to dry down. The weather was favorable for harvesting peanuts, pecans, hay and cotton, which were close to wrapping up, but conditions were not good for dryland small grain crops. Most small grains planting stopped until it rains, and most planted fields failed to emerge, or emerged fields were dying off. The cattle, sheep and goat markets looked good. Livestock were in good condition despite beginning to run out of pasture. Stockpiled forages and supplements were given to livestock. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Oct 29, 2024 Hay was either baled or cut for the last crop in Central Texas. The grass and crops were not suffering yet, but stock tanks were dropping, and water quality deteriorated. Corn stunt disease was found in some fields grown for silage. Winter wheat planting and field preparations continued. Armyworms were spotted, prompting treatment efforts, and fly numbers remained an issue for livestock. Livestock diets were being supplemented. Feral hogs continued to cause property damage, leading to trapping efforts in some areas. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Oct 16, 2024 Half of Central Texas experienced excellent rain that greened up pastures, filled lakes and tanks, and generally improved conditions. The other half faced dry conditions and increasing drought. The entire district did experience a slight drop in temperatures. Some fields were too wet to plow, and pastures showed an increase in invasive weeds. The pecan and peanut harvests began, and winter grain planting started. The cotton harvest continued, and fall armyworms were noticed in hay fields. Livestock thrived on pastures in areas that received rain, with cattle remaining in good body condition. Producers began feeding hay and supplementing in areas where pasture conditions were declining. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Oct 1, 2024