YOUR TEXAS AGRICULTURE MINUTE

The dog days of summer are barking loudly

By Gary Joiner
Publisher

Hot and dry conditions continue for most of Texas.

Crops and livestock are stressed. And there’s not much optimism in the short-term weather forecast. Rainfall chances are absent from the outlook.

Cotton, corn and grain sorghum fields are being hammered.

Range and pasture conditions are also deteriorating. The most recent Texas Crop Progress and Condition report says 84% of range and pasture is rated fair to very poor.

Grass is not growing. Livestock are being moved where grass is available but for how long? Supplemental feed is being widely used.

Water is a serious concern, as well. For many, stock tanks are drying up, if not dry already. There may be trouble getting water to some locations.

Our state’s ranchers are caring for their livestock. They are doing all they can to provide ample clean water and shade for their animals.

Cattle can drink up to 30 gallons of water per day. Shade can be trees, a lean-to, a barn or whatever is available to provide relief from the sun.

The lack of cooler evenings is preventing livestock from being able to cool down from the triple-digit temperatures during the day.

The dog days of summer are barking loudly now. Only rainfall can quiet the pack.

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.

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