Drought slowed haying in Texas' Coastal Bend
9/18/2025 12:00:00 AM
CATEGORIES:
Agriculture
Plants & Wildlife
Water Supply & Quality
AFFECTED AREAS:
Aransas County, TX
Austin County, TX
Bee County, TX
Calhoun County, TX
Colorado County, TX
DeWitt County, TX
Fayette County, TX
Goliad County, TX
Jackson County, TX
Karnes County, TX
Lavaca County, TX
Matagorda County, TX
Nueces County, TX
Refugio County, TX
San Patricio County, TX
Victoria County, TX
Washington County, TX
Wharton County, TX
Start Date: 9/3/2025
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Dry, hot weather continued in the Coastal Bend with temperatures in the upper 90s and no significant rainfall. Soil moisture was declining, though some areas saw forage growth from the previous week’s rain. Cotton harvest was nearly complete with good yields reported, though low commodity prices remained a concern. Some field preparation was underway for winter pastures. Rangeland and pasture conditions were mixed — there was some improvement where rain had fallen, but an overall decline with continued dryness. Supplemental hay feeding began in dry areas, and livestock water levels were becoming a concern. Livestock remained in good condition, with calves hitting the ground and doing well. Cattle prices remained strong, helping offset higher input costs.
AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Sep 16, 2025
Hot, dry weather continued to deteriorate soil moisture and range and pasture conditions in the Coastal Bend. Scattered showers provided limited relief, briefly delaying cotton harvest in some areas. Rice, corn and sorghum harvests were almost complete with average to slightly above-average yields. Cotton saw above-average yields of 2-3.5 bales per acre. The gin yards were full and running around the clock. Haying had slowed due to drought, though recent showers may allow some regrowth. The quality of standing forages was declining. Livestock remained in generally good condition, but supplemental feeding was increasing. Fall calving started, and calf runs at sale barns were seasonally larger. Markets remained strong.
AgriLife Today (Texas A&M) (College Station, Texas), Sep 3, 2025
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