AgriLife Extension district reporters compiled the following summary for the Central Texas District:
Temperatures were warmer than normal for this time of year. Dry conditions
Dry conditions continued, and no measurable rainfall was recorded.
Soil moisture levels were very short and continued to decline.
Planting operations were at a standstill due to dry seedbeds with mid-December crop insurance deadlines looming for winter wheat.
Early planted winter wheat that had emerged showed variable plant stands and were in fair to poor condition.
None of the small number of other acres planted had enough moisture to germinate.
Producers were considering whether to skip planting winter wheat in favor of spring-planted sorghum.
The precipitation outlook over the next week was bleak.
Pastures were showing drought and were going dormant.
Most fieldwork and field preparation was complete or ahead of schedule. Livestock were being fed hay.