Texas AgriLife Extension district reporters compiled the following report for the Central Texas district: Daily highs had topped 100 degrees nearly every day for the month, and some areas recorded no precipitation over that span.
Light rain arrived late in the reporting period in parts of the district, ranging from trace amounts to half an inch with most locations that received moisture.
Topsoil moisture was very short to adequate while subsoil conditions ranged from very short to surplus. Several small grass fires broke out.
Corn harvest was wrapping up with average to above-average yields – 100-180 bushels per acre – from fields that avoided hail and freeze damage earlier in the season.
Harvest slowed in places as grain storage filled. Sorghum harvest concluded, with yields of 6,000-8,000 pounds per acre.
Cotton harvest had begun on a limited basis and was expected to ramp up. Cotton defoliation was slowed by the hot, dry weather, and applications were prolonging the start of harvest, though a heavy fruit load had producers expecting about a bale and a half per acre.
Pasture and rangeland conditions were very poor to fair, and livestock conditions were poor to excellent.
Pasture mealybug cut into hay volume enough that producers were concerned about shortages, and producers were actively spraying pastures to control the pest.
Stock tank levels declined drastically over the past few weeks, and livestock were crowding shade trees and ponds that still held water.
Ranchers were preparing and planting winter forage for stocker operations. Many started feeding hay and supplements, and some who had planned to market calves early were holding them to see where prices settle.