YOUR TEXAS AGRICULTURE MINUTE

Drought can’t end too soon

By Mike Barnett

Good news for Texas. The multi-year drought could officially end in 2015. If National Weather Service predictions hold true. 

Drought-induced losses to Texas agriculture have been staggering. $4.1 billion in 2006. $2.4 billion in 2008. $3.6 billion in 2009. And a whopping $7.6 billion in 2011.

Hardest hit? Texas ranchers. That’s why beef is so high.

But an El Nino in the Pacific now has most of Texas in a favorable weather position.

That is, except for West Texas. Forecasters say Abilene west and north into the Rolling Plains and Texas Panhandle will remain in drought.

Let’s hope the forecasters are wrong for West Texas’ sake.

As singer songwriter Eric Clapton would say:

“Let it rain, let it rain, let it rain, rain, rain.”

The preceding commentary is brought to you by Texas Farm Bureau, the “Voice of Texas Agriculture.” Called “Your Texas Agriculture Minute,” TFB will issue thought-provoking editorials each week—via print and audio—to spark understanding of agriculture in the Lone Star State and its impact on each and every Texan.

You may read this week’s editorial above or listen to the audio version.

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