http://droughtreporter.unl.edu/

v 2.4.3.0

Mild to warm temperatures continued with no rainfall reported in South Texas, causing topsoil and subsoil moisture levels to decline. Temperatures ranged from the 60s to low-90s, and reports of roadside fires increased due to hot, dry conditions. Agricultural conditions were poor across many areas due to the lack of rain and no water in irrigation canals. Most crops were harvested, and fieldwork was mostly at a standstill. Peanut and sesame harvesting continued, and strawberry planting was near completion. Winter and fall vegetables were still being planted or harvested, with fall corn progressing well. The citrus harvest, and planting of onions and leafy greens continued. Forage producers made their last cuts for the season. Rangeland and pasture conditions varied, but many areas reported declining conditions. Stock tank levels remained low. Ranchers increased feed supplementation due to cooler nights and drought affecting grass growth, and beef cattle markets saw steady volumes with slight price drops. Calf and cull cow sales rose due to drought, with higher numbers of cattle sold at local auctions. Ranchers were selling calves early to benefit from higher prices on 400-500-pound calves, while feed prices remained high. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Oct 29, 2024 Conditions remained dry in South Texas. Mild and moderate temperatures persisted for most of the district, with some counties reporting cool morning and evening temperatures and warm days. Grass and vegetation were turning brown. Topsoil and subsoil moisture conditions remained short. Cooler morning temperatures provided some relief to corn. Cotton harvest was wrapping up. Peanut harvest was underway or nearing. Most sesame fields were close to harvest. Cool-season vegetables looked good. Row crop farmers continued to prepare fields for the next year’s crops. Soil moisture remained good for cool-season vegetables but decreased with the above-normal temperatures. Strawberry planting was 50% complete. Citrus trees were doing well, with harvest for certain varieties beginning in the following weeks. Producers planted oats, winter wheat and leafy greens. Hay and forage producers made their last cuttings of summer grasses. Rangeland and pasture conditions declined. Hay prices ranged from $75 to $100 per round bale. Supplemental feeding continued in areas where rangeland and pasture conditions were unfavorable. Average sale volumes were reported at livestock markets with a slight price increase on feeder cattle, while cull cows, bulls and replacement cattle continued to be in high demand. Ranchers sold the spring calf crop and culled older cows because of the dry conditions. Livestock and wildlife were in good condition. Dove hunting slowed down, and deer and quail season were fast approaching, with deer and quail crops looking to be above average this year. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Oct 16, 2024 Conditions in South Texas were seasonably hot, with lower humidity and little to no rain reported. Some areas reported moderate weather conditions with cooler temperatures in the morning and highs reaching 90 degrees throughout the day. Topsoil and subsoil moisture conditions were short to adequate. Row crop farmers continued to work their ground in preparation for next year’s crop. Cotton harvest was complete in some counties and continued in others. Sesame harvest was complete or neared completion. Peanuts were maturing and close to harvest. Citrus was doing well and fruit continued to mature, and there were reports of fruit fly activity on citrus. Fall corn was in excellent condition, and cool-season vegetables looked good. Hay fields were under irrigation and nearing the next cutting. Forage producers were hoping for one more cutting and were on the lookout for armyworms and other pests. Some pastures were yielding fairly well and in good shape, while rangeland and pasture conditions were slowly declining due to a lack of rainfall in some areas. Beef cattle producers continued to provide supplemental feed in some areas that lacked adequate grazing. Cattle prices remained high and steady. Wildlife were receiving supplemental feed and were a little more active despite the heat. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Oct 1, 2024