http://droughtreporter.unl.edu/

v 2.4.3.0

Conditions were hot, dry and humid in South Texas, typical for this time of year. In some areas with lighter and rocky soils, the vegetation was already drying out and turning brown. A strong line of thunderstorms produced some much-needed rain — 2-5 inches – in some areas, but some hail and straight-line winds up to 115 mph accompanied the storm. Trees and structures were severely damaged by the wind. Approximately 2,500 acres of row crops were damaged by the wind and hail. The rainfall increased local stock tank levels. Hay harvest was underway. Strawberry production slowed, with some fruit still being harvested in low numbers. Row crops continued to progress well, benefiting from good soil moisture. Winter wheat and onions were being harvested. Cotton was in the full bloom stage. Cotton fleahoppers were above threshold levels, and farmers were advised to spray. There was high rice stink bug pressure in grain sorghum in the soft dough stage. Midge was present in flowering sorghum, and sugarcane aphids were building up. In sesame fields, there appeared to be beet armyworm pressure and some thrips. Approximately 80% of the corn was in the dent stage and is now past the critical stages for insects. Citrus orchards were being irrigated and treated for pests. Most pastures were still in fair condition but starting to stress due to the heat and high winds. Some pastures were in excellent condition; wildlife and cattle were thriving. Cattle prices remained high as supplies remained low. Livestock were in fair to good condition, but ranchers and deer breeders were still supplementing feed. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), May 20, 2025 Agricultural conditions were favorable across South Texas with mild temperatures and some spotty moisture. Topsoil and subsoil conditions continued to be very short to short. Winds were high, and daily temperatures reached the upper-90s. Some rain was in the forecast. Stock tank levels remained a concern for some producers. All row crops were planted and progressing well with adequate soil moisture. However, both row crops and forages needed additional rainfall. Cotton planting was wrapping up. Fieldwork for peanuts continued. Strawberry production continued to move along. Onion and cabbage harvests should be concluding soon. Citrus trees were doing well with juvenile fruit continuing the maturation process. Some late-planted crops failed and will most likely be replanted. Corn looked good but needed rain. Hay producers continued preparing for the next cutting. Planted sesame emerged and very few acres were left to plant. Beet armyworm pressure was reported on sesame. Grain sorghum fields looked clean, but a few fields had some sorghum aphids. Pastures that did not experience days of standing water due to last month’s flood were doing well. Rangeland conditions were improving. Rangeland and pasture conditions were fair to good in most areas and grazing availability was improving. Ranchers planned to do herbicide brush work. Livestock were in good condition, but supplemental feeding was necessary. Beef cattle prices remained very high. Feed prices were high. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), May 6, 2025