http://droughtreporter.unl.edu/

v 2.4.3.0

Topsoil dried out in Southwest Texas due to the high temperatures, though subsoil moisture remained adequate from recent rainfall. Hot and dry conditions continued. High temperatures reached over 100 degrees during the week, with no precipitation. Row crops looked good but needed another rain soon. Irrigated crops looked strong, and all cotton was planted. Vegetable gardens were doing well. Livestock performance was expected to dip due to reduced grazing and animals seeking shade. Livestock markets were high to steady. Some producers began cutting perennial grass patches. If conditions remain the same, hay grazer cutting was expected to begin soon. Some producers were trying to balance available grazing and stocking rates by selling calves slightly lighter than usual. Producers were still heavily supplementing feed for both livestock and wildlife. Overall, livestock body condition scores remained marginal. Whitetail deer were beginning to drop fawns. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), May 20, 2025 Moisture conditions continued to improve as most areas of Southwest Texas received some rainfall – trace amounts up to 3 inches. More rainfall was in the forecast. Rangeland and pasture conditions were greening up. Temperatures were cooler and winds picked up. Some pea-sized hail was reported in some areas. Some trees did not leaf out this spring, raising ongoing concerns about limited deeper soil moisture. Pecan producers were not seeing pecan nut casebearer moths yet. Row crops appeared to be progressing well. Recent rains provided a boost to corn and sorghum fields. Producers were applying herbicides and fertilizers, and pasture weed control and fertilization efforts were showing good results. Heavy supplemental feeding of livestock continued to be necessary in some areas. Livestock markets were steady to higher. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), May 6, 2025