National Drought Mitigation Center
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National Drought Mitigation Center
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Deer producers offering supplemental feed, hauling water to ponds in South Texas
9/18/2025 12:00:00 AM



CATEGORIES:
Agriculture
Plants & Wildlife
Water Supply & Quality
AFFECTED AREAS:
Atascosa County, TX
Brooks County, TX
Cameron County, TX
Dimmit County, TX
Duval County, TX
Frio County, TX
Hidalgo County, TX
Jim Hogg County, TX
Jim Wells County, TX
Kenedy County, TX
Kleberg County, TX
La Salle County, TX
Live Oak County, TX
Maverick County, TX
McMullen County, TX
Starr County, TX
Webb County, TX
Willacy County, TX
Zapata County, TX
Zavala County, TX

Start Date: 9/3/2025 -  
Conditions in South Texas the past week included seasonal and above-average temperatures, with some light to moderate rainfall and rain in the forecast. Topsoil and subsoil conditions remained very short in some areas. Falcon Lake levels remained extremely low. Cotton bolls opened, and harvest was underway. Bermuda grass hay fields were cut and baled. Vegetable growers continued to harvest okra and squash, and soil was being prepped for strawberries. The fall corn crop was progressing well, especially in areas where moisture was received. Citrus fruit continued to mature as producers monitored for potential pest and disease issues. A few late-planted sesame fields remained. Grain sorghum and corn yields were below average. Peanut crops continued to mature under irrigation, and digging was scheduled to begin in the coming weeks. Vegetable farmers were planting cabbage, parsley, and leafy greens, and preparing for carrots and onions. High temperatures impacted pasture and rangeland conditions, but conditions improved in areas that received rain. Rain was needed for fall forage planting and a possible final cutting of hay. Ranchers were culling cattle herds and selling calves at lighter weights, but prices remained high. Producers supplemented feed to help maintain animal health and performance. Local feed stores reported increased supplemental feed sales. Deer producers were supplementing with protein, corn and cottonseed. The hunting season began, with a strong presence of both white-wing and mourning doves reported in some areas. Turkeys and quail were notably abundant. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Sep 16, 2025 South Texas weather conditions continued to be dry, breezy and hot with occasional light scattered showers. Surface and bottom soil conditions remained dry. Hay producers continued to cut and bale. Some vegetable growers were harvesting okra, summer squash and fall tomatoes. Other producers continued to prepare to plant fall vegetables and corn. The last grain sorghum fields were being harvested, with most showing signs of bird damage. Most cotton was harvested, and the sesame harvest continued. Yields were above average on both cotton and sesame crops. Citrus orchards continued to be irrigated with both flood and drip irrigation. Range and pasture conditions continued to deteriorate. Livestock and wildlife were in good condition overall with proper feeding and supplementation. Beef cattle prices remained high. Feed and hay were in great demand at a high cost. Wildlife managers reported a good fawn crop and quail numbers. Deer producers were supplementing extra and providing water to their ponds. AgriLife Today (Texas A&M) (College Station, Texas), Sep 3, 2025
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