Texas Pastures Struggle Amid Drought; Cattle Farmers Await El Niño Relief

About 70% of Texas pasturelands are in dire condition due to the ongoing drought, as reported by the USDA. Despite these challenging circumstances, cattlemen remain optimistic, anticipating a return of moisture soon. Steve Estes, AgriLife Extension agent for Taylor County, expressed hope for a brighter future, even as cattle producers face tough times.

Recent USDA data from Aug. 21 indicates that Texas pastures are largely in an unfavorable state, with 39% labeled as very poor and 31% as poor. Thanks to a wet spring, cattle farmers managed to cut hay for their feed reserves, and early summer rains provided brief respite. However, the past month has witnessed a decline in rainfall across most of Texas, with only Northeast and southeast Texas recording up to an inch, as per the U.S. Drought Monitor. Furthermore, incessantly hot days and nights have degraded pastures and rangeland forages, compelling farmers to resort to their hay stock.

The USDA Texas Cattle Auction disclosed that cattle herd expansion has been slower this year in comparison to post-2011-2013 drought periods, as noted by Derrell S. Peel from Oklahoma State University. Although cattle prices have stayed robust, the ongoing drought situation poses challenges for future herd expansion.

A glimmer of hope shines for Texas cattle producers: forecasts from the Climate Prediction Center hint at possible El Niño conditions starting December, potentially bringing much-needed moisture to Texas. Despite these potential positives, current reports paint a grim picture, revealing alarming topsoil and subsoil moisture levels, and expanding drought conditions throughout Texas.