http://droughtreporter.unl.edu/

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Tropical moisture brought hit-and-miss showers to South Texas, and there was a chance of rain in the forecast. Weed problems were reported. Warmer temperatures and little rain allowed row crop farmers to proceed with corn and grain sorghum harvests. Crops looked good overall. Grain sorghum, corn and sunflower harvests neared completion in some areas and attention was turning to peanuts, cotton and sesame. Peanut fields continued to progress under irrigation and develop pods. Sesame harvest was awaiting the appropriate harvest window. Cotton bolls were setting and beginning to open in most fields. Cotton defoliation was expected to begin soon. Some citrus orchards were irrigated, and fruit was developing. Range and pasture conditions were still good, but soil moisture continued to decline due to extremely high temperatures. Falcon Reservoir levels remained critically low, affecting water quality for municipalities, irrigation and livestock. Beef cattle supplementation was increasing, and beef cattle prices remained very high. Wildlife such as deer, quail and turkey remained in good shape, but water and cover will be critical going into August. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), July 29, 2025 Conditions were warm and humid, with periodic rain showers in some parts of South Texas, but drought conditions persisted in others, and there was no water available in the local irrigation canals. Topsoil and subsoil moisture was adequate due to the scattered showers, but moisture was drying up due to the heat. The rains halted the grain sorghum harvest. Corn was in the denting stage, and cotton was setting bolls. Verde bugs on cotton were an emerging issue. Peanut planting was completed, with most fields in the pegging stage. Vegetable growers were harvesting. Strawberry fields were being prepared. Turfgrass harvest was underway. The watermelon harvest ended. Midge and sorghum aphid issues occurred on flowering sorghum. Hay fields and pastures were in excellent condition. Some grass was starting to dry out and turn yellow. Cattle supplementation decreased due to the improved range and pasture conditions. Beef cattle prices remained strong, and feed prices were still high. Livestock and wildlife were in good condition. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), July 1, 2025