http://droughtreporter.unl.edu/

v 2.4.3.0

Extreme drought and heat persisted across the Coastal Bend, with almost no rainfall since early August. A burn ban remained in effect in some counties. Soil moisture was critically low, though the lack of precipitation allowed for fieldwork. Cotton yields were good to excellent, while the pecan harvest was underway with varying results. Winter crop planting, particularly wheat, oats and ryegrass, was minimal due to poor soil moisture, and fewer acres were expected to be planted. Pasture conditions continued to deteriorate. Most pastures were dry and offered little forage. Hay inventories were declining rapidly, prompting concern among producers. Some producers resorted to hauling water due to insufficient water levels in stocker ponds. While a few cool-season forages were planted, many producers were redirecting resources toward feed rather than forage establishment. Over half of cattle producers began feeding hay, and many were also relying on supplemental feed. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Nov 18, 2025