Drought Information: Latest News

Drought Predictions Worry Farmers

In South Dakota, there's an old saying that goes, "If you don't like the weather now, just wait five minutes -- it will change." While the state is known for its extremes, the weather has been consistently mild this year -- with little rain or snowfall since the spring of 2011. While calving season has been great, with limited challenges from cold temperatures or muddy conditions, there are growing concerns that a widespread drought could impact summer grazing and the 2012 harvest.

With an unseasonably warm spring, many are planting early this year, but the weatherman is predicting freezing temperatures again this week, which could prove troublesome for the eager beavers with spring plants already shooting up in the fields.

Meanwhile, others are just hoping for a spring rain to get the crops going, while many ranchers are scrambling for additional pastureland to ensure enough grass for summer grazing.

Via Beef Magazine
Read the entire article: Drought Predictions Worry Farmers

New Wildfire Sparked in Bastrop, Texas

A new wildfire is the last thing people in Bastrop, Texas want to see. A long-burning wildfire last month destroyed thousands of homes. But Tuesday, a new fire sparked. As of Tuesday evening, it had grown as large as 900 acres, and some areas are under evacuation.

Texas desperately needs rain to dampen fire conditions statewide. The forecast for later this week looks promising.

Via The Weather Channel
Read the entire article: New Wildfire Sparked in Bastrop, Texas

State Climatologist: 'Very likely' that drought will last into 2012 - or longer

Another year of drought, or even five to ten years more drought? The first is highly likely, and the second, though harder to predict, a strong possibility, according to Dr. John Nielsen-Gammon, state climatologist.

Regarding the drought continuing through this winter and spring, everyone is watching what appears to be a new La Niña developing, Nielsen-Gammon said.

But a strong Pacific Ocean La Niña is not the only phenomenon that affects Texas droughts, he said. Scientists now believe that Atlantic Ocean temperature oscillations also play a role in long-term droughts such as the one that hammered Texas and the Midwest in the middle of the last century.

Climatologists have found a strong correlation between Pacific Ocean surface temperatures and some events like the Dust Bowl drought. But the drought of the 1950s, which rivaled the current drought, did not show up in the computer simulations correlated with Pacific Ocean La Niña events. The simulations did find, however, that patterns that strongly suggested warmer-than-average North Atlantic sea-surface temperatures also contributed to droughts in parts of North America, Texas included, according to Nielsen-Gammon.

Via AgriLife TODAY
Read the entire article: State Climatologist: 'Very likely' that drought will last into 2012 - or longer

A Warmer and Drier Fall and Spring Expected

The climatic phenomena known as La Niña has re-emerged in the equatorial Pacific waters which often brings warmer and drier weather to the southern one-third of the United States. For Oklahoma, this could mean warmer and drier weather for late-fall through spring. No precipitation was reported by Mesonet in any of the nine reporting districts for the week of September 26th through October 2nd. Small grain and canola producers planted with anticipation of rain. Livestock producers continued to face shortages of water and hay supplies across the state and were culling herds. The past week's lack of precipitation led to topsoil moisture conditions with 76 percent of the state rated very short and 87 percent of subsoil rated very short. There were 6.7 days suitable for field work.

Small Grains: Seedbed preparation and planting continued to progress despite dry conditions. Seedbed preparation for wheat ground was 82 percent complete by week's end, 9 points behind normal. Planting reached 30 percent, 19 points behind normal. Canola seedbed preparation reached 91 percent complete by the end of the week, up 14 points from the previous week, while planting reached 48 percent, 11 points behind last year. Seedbed preparation for rye was 82 percent, 14 points behind normal, and planting reached 40 percent by Sunday, 34 points behind normal. Seedbed preparation for oat ground was 59 percent complete, 14 points behind normal, and planting reached 12 percent by the end of the week, 11 points behind normal.

Row Crops: All major row crop conditions continued to be rated poor to very poor, although peanut conditions ranged from fair to good. Seventy-six percent of corn had been harvested by week's end, 4 points above normal. Sorghum coloring was 73 percent complete, 14 points behind normal. Forty-seven percent of sorghum was mature, and 29 percent was harvested by Sunday, 4 points behind last year but 7 points above the five-year average. Soybean setting pods reached 87 percent complete, and 21 percent were mature by week's end, both behind the five-year average. Peanuts setting pods reached 94 percent complete, and 47 percent were mature by Sunday, 21 points behind normal. Fifty-five percent of cotton plants had bolls opening by week's end, 24 points behind normal.

Via USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service
Read the entire article: A Warmer and Drier Fall and Spring Expected

Breeding soundness exams are important after hot summer

As everyone in Oklahoma is already aware, the summer of 2011 was a record-setter. Many areas of the state had 70 or more days with over 100 degrees. Heat stress will undoubtedly take a toll on the spring and summer breeding season that has already occurred. However, those herds with fall-calving and fall breeding seasons may also feel the effects of last summer.

Before the fall breeding season begins, producers will want to contact their local veterinarian and schedule a time for the bulls to receive a "Breeding Soundness Exam." This is an excellent practice each year preceding the breeding season, but could be most important in years following very hot later summers. The extreme and persistent heat of this summer may have "heat-stressed" bulls as late as early September. Bulls that have been heat-stressed will require at least 2 months (from the conclusion of the stress) to fully recover.

Oklahoma scientists (Meyerhoeffer, et al 1978) placed bulls in controlled environments of 95 degrees F for eight hours and 87 degrees for the remaining 16 hours, while similar bulls were placed in environments of a consistent 73 degrees F. These treatments were applied to the bulls for eight weeks, and then all bulls were exposed to the 73 degrees environment for another eight weeks. During the treatment, the heat stressed bulls had rectal temperatures 0.9 degrees F higher than non-stressed bulls. The percentage of motile sperm cells decreased significantly in the stressed bulls by two weeks of heat stress.

Via Drovers CattleNetwork
Read the entire article: Breeding soundness exams are important after hot summer

Water for Texas 2012 State Water Plan

Texas is currently experiencing what has been described as the worst one-year drought in the state's history, again emphasizing the importance of long-range planning to meet the state's water needs. The 2012 State Water Plan will be the third plan that incorporates 16 regional water plans developed under Texas Water Code, Section 16.053 between January 2006 and December 2010, reflecting the dedicated work of over 400 voting and nonvoting members of the regional water planning groups. This draft version of the 2012 State Water Plan is presented to give all Texans the opportunity to review the detailed analysis of water demands and supplies, and the efforts, projects, and strategies recommended to alleviate shortages.

The primary message of the 2012 State Water Plan is a simple one: In serious drought conditions, Texas does not and will not have enough water to meet the needs of its people, its businesses, and its agricultural enterprises. This plan presents the information regarding the recommended conservation and other types of water management strategies that would be necessary to meet the state's needs in drought conditions, the cost of such strategies, and estimates of the state's financial assistance that would be required to implement these strategies. The plan also presents the sobering news of the economic losses likely to occur if these water supply needs cannot be met. As the state continues to experience rapid growth and declining water supplies, implementation of the plan is crucial to ensure public health, safety, and welfare and economic development in the state.

Via Texas Water Development Board, 2011
Read the entire article: Water for Texas 2012 State Water Plan

Gov. Fallin Extends Hay Transportation Executive Order

On September 20, Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin extended the executive order allowing haulers of hay to carry larger loads in their trucks for another 60 days. The order was originally signed because of the extreme drought across the state, which left many farmers without access to hay for livestock purposes and many farmers and ranchers are continuing to struggle with this effort.

The current rules for hauling hay restrict the dimensions to 11 feet in width, while the executive order from Gov. Fallin increases those dimensions to 12 feet. This allows haulers without a permit to double the amount of hay bales that are hauled per truck.

The executive order also suspends the requirement for an oversized vehicle permit for vehicles transporting hay to livestock.

In an earlier statement by Gov. Fallin when the executive order was originally issued, Fallin said, "The historical drought we are now facing is having a serious impact on our entire state, and farmers are among the hardest hit."

Via Oklahoma Farm Report
Read the entire article: Gov. Fallin Extends Hay Transportation Executive Order

Why are the Drought and Heat Wave Happening?

This drought began last autumn when a moderate to strong La Niña developed in the Pacific Ocean. La Niña caused a shift in the jet stream that favored dry weather in Oklahoma and Texas. Rainfall trailed off very suddenly and dramatically last October, and it has been well below average ever since.

The biggest problem is that La Niña persisted through the spring season when we usually receive a large percentage of our annual rainfall. We didn't receive enough rain to recharge the soil nor the vegetation. So when the sun started climbing higher in the sky as it does every summer, the dry land began to heat the air very efficiently, and we saw the onset of persistent 100-degree weather a few weeks earlier than we typically do.

Excessively hot air makes it more difficult to get rain, and the lack of rain makes the air even hotter. So we need a big storm such as a tropical cyclone or a major shift in the jet stream to break out of this cycle. In the meantime, NOAA, the National Weather Service, and its partners continually monitor and record the intensity of the drought via weather and climate observations and reports of drought-related impacts from around Oklahoma and north Texas.

Via the National Weather Service
Read the entire article: Why are the Drought and Heat Wave Happening?

Discussion for the Seasonal Drought Outlook

A persistent ridge of high pressure maintained hot and dry conditions across the south-central U.S. into early September, maintaining a large area of extreme to exceptional drought. Texas had its driest summer on record, with a statewide average of 2.44 inches of rain. 2011 was the hottest summer on record for Oklahoma and Texas with average temperatures of 86.5 degrees F and 86.6 degrees F, respectively. According to the National Climatic, Texas recorded the hottest summer for any state. On September 13, Dallas-Fort Worth broke the previous record (69 in 1980) for most 100 degree days in a year. At the beginning of the period, a cold frontal passage is expected to bring 1-2.5 inches of rainfall to southeast Kansas and northeast Oklahoma where some improvement is forecast. Across the remainder of the southern Plains, tools on all time scales and consecutive La Niña composites indicate enhanced odds for below median precipitation. Therefore, persistence is forecast for much of Oklahoma and Texas. However, forecast confidence is tempered by the potential for tropical cyclone activity through the end of November that could provide relief to the western Gulf region.

During the summer, monsoon rainfall provided some drought relief to eastern Arizona and western New Mexico. Locally heavy rainfall and flash flooding occurred in the desert Southwest during early-to-mid September. Therefore, development that was forecast in the previous outlook across the desert Southwest was removed. The waning of the monsoon coupled with forecasts of enhanced odds for below median rainfall during the upcoming three months favors persistence or development across Arizona, southeast Utah, southwest Colorado, and much of New Mexico. Some improvement is forecast in southeast Colorado and northeast New Mexico due to moderate to heavy rainfall expected at the beginning of the period.

Across the Southeast, heavy rainfall associated with Tropical Storm Lee eliminated drought and abnormal dryness across southeast Louisiana along with parts of Alabama and Mississippi. Outside of Lee's track, drought continued in Arkansas, western Louisiana, southeast Alabama, central and southern Georgia, the Carolinas, and parts of Florida. During the remainder of September, an upper-level trough is expected to increase the odds for near to above median rainfall in North Carolina where improvement is forecast. The October-December climatology across south Florida trends much drier, with this region receiving only 10-20 percent of their annual rainfall (versus a normal distribution of 25 percent) during the period. Without heavy rainfall from a tropical system, persistence can be expected for the small drought area at Lake Okeechobee in south Florida. Based upon the seasonal CPC precipitation outlook and consecutive La Niña composites, persistence or development is forecast for the Southeast where heavy rainfall did not occur with Tropical Storm Lee.

Via NOAA/National Weather Service
Read the entire article: Discussion for the Seasonal Drought Outlook

Significant cow culling may continue this fall

The U.S. Beef Industry has experienced historic levels of cow culling in 2011, and while slowed, a significant movement of cows from herds may not be done yet.

Beef cow slaughter in federal Region 6 - Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana and New Mexico - is averaging 150 percent of year-ago levels for the past few months. Year-to-date beef cow slaughter in the region - which corresponds to the nation's worst drought area - is 123 percent above year ago levels.

Year-to-date beef cow slaughter numbers for all other U.S. regions has declined 6 percent, resulting in a total national beef cow slaughter rate that is 101 percent of last year.

However, beef cow slaughter outside of Region 6 is 4.5 percent more than year ago levels for the past eight weeks, plus significant numbers of cows have moved out of Oklahoma and Texas to other regions, points out Derrell Peel, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension livestock marketing specialist.

"This likely means that cow culling for the remainder of 2011 will not follow typical seasonal patterns, either within or beyond the exceptional drought area that is federal Region 6," he said.

Via Drovers CattleNetwork
Read the entire article: Significant cow culling may continue this fall

Oklahoma agricultural losses from drought more than $1.6 billion

Preliminary estimates by Oklahoma State University's Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources indicate that Oklahoma has suffered more than $1.6 billion in drought-related agricultural losses this year.

Division officials caution that the results are preliminary while acknowledging the need to release statistics determined thus far so as to allow individuals, organizations, civic leaders and government officials to more effectively address various drought-related concerns and issues.

Preliminary estimates of the 2011 drought's effect on production agriculture in Oklahoma are:

• General crops, such as grains, hay, soybeans and cotton - $904,954,156

• Specialty crops, such as fruits, vegetables and nuts - $11,156,017

• Horticultural crops, such as sod or greenhouse and nursery products - $81,836,500

• Livestock, primarily cattle but including other animals - $667,600,000

"These estimates most likely represent a lower end of the overall impact, as we have not yet accounted for off-farm impacts to farm suppliers as producers try to minimize costs, or reduced recreational and residential use because of lower lake levels, water-use restrictions and the like," said Dave Shideler, OSU Cooperative Extension agricultural economist.

Via Drovers CattleNetwork
Read the entire article: Oklahoma agricultural losses from drought more than $1.6 billion

Livestock Indemnity Program Benefits Available to Producers Suffering Wildfire Losses

As the drought in Texas continues, wildfires are a daily threat to livestock operations across the state. In the event of losses experienced as a result of wildfire, eligible ranchers and livestock producers can apply for benefits through the Livestock Indemnity Program (Livestock Indemnity Program) administered by USDA's Farm Service Agency (FSA).

"This program provides livestock producers with a vital safety net to help them overcome the damaging financial impact of natural disasters," said James Douglass, USDA Texas Farm Service Agency Acting Executive Director.

Livestock Indemnity Program provides assistance to producers for livestock deaths that result from natural disaster. Livestock Indemnity Program compensates livestock owners and contract growers for livestock death losses in excess of normal mortality due to adverse weather, including losses due to hurricanes, floods, blizzards, disease, wildfires, extreme heat and extreme cold. Eligible losses must have occurred on or after Jan. 1, 2008, and before Oct. 1, 2011.

Douglass adds, "A notice of loss must be filed with FSA within 30 days of when the loss of livestock is apparent. Livestock that die within 60 days of the date of the qualifying event, but prior to Oct. 1, 2011 will be considered eligible for loss benefits."

Via U.S. Department of Agriculture, Texas Farm Service Agency
Read the entire article: Livestock Indemnity Program Benefits Available to Producers Suffering Wildfire Losses

Permits Available to Allow Baling Hay from ODOT Rights-of-way

The Oklahoma Department of Transportation, in partnership with the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture is reminding local farmers and ranchers that through a simple permitting process, they are allowed to bale hay from highway rights-of-way. There are over 135,000 mowable acres along highway rights-of-way in the state.

By state statute, permits to bale hay from area highway rights-of-way are available to the adjacent landowner first, but can be requested by anyone if all requirements are met.

Applications for permits are available for download at www.okladot.state.ok.us in the "forms" link. They much be filled out then taken to a local ODOT division headquarters or ODOT county maintenance yard between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday for approval. There is no fee to apply and insurance verification must also be provided as part of the approval process.

• All work has to be completed during daylight hours, Monday through Friday
• Bales cannot be left within 30 feet of the roadway
• Warning signs must be in place when working in the rights-of-way
• Grass cannot be cut shorter than 5 inches tall

Citizens wanting to take advantage of this opportunity are asked to avoid garden plots and landscaped areas currently maintained by local civic groups and ODOT.

While some weight restrictions have recently been lifted for those hauling hay in the state, ODOT asks citizens to follow all size and weight restriction still in effect. These regulations help protect the traveling public in addition to maintaining our infrastructure. For more information on size and weight restrictions, contact the Department of Public Safety at 1-877-425-2390.

Via the Oklahoma Department of Transportation
Read the entire article: Permits Available to Allow Baling Hay from ODOT Rights-of-way

Quickest Help for Ranchers - the Livestock Forage Program

Francie Tolle, executive director for Oklahoma Farm Service Agency (FSA), reminded those at the Oklahoma Farm Bureau Drought Summit on Tuesday that Oklahoma producers who have suffered livestock grazing losses due to qualifying drought may apply for assistance under the provisions of the Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP). This permanent disaster program is authorized in the 2008 Farm Bill.

"The Livestock Forage Disaster Program will help those producers who have suffered devastating losses from fires and the ongoing drought," said Tolle. "LFP ensures that producers receive the critical disaster assistance needed to remain financially solvent and help them continue on in their operations."

Tolle told the Radio Oklahoma Network that over $40 million has been paid to Oklahoma livestock producers in the last couple of months due to the drought conditions. She says eligibility is based on the National Drought Monitor and that virtually the entire state has been considered to be dry enough to be eligible.

Eligible livestock under LFP include beef cattle, alpacas, buffalo, beefalo, dairy cattle, deer, elk, emus, equine, goats, llamas, poultry, reindeer, sheep and swine.

Via Oklahoma Farm Report
Read the entire article: Quickest Help for Ranchers- the Livestock Forage Program

Agriculture Secretary Jim Reese Focusing on the Positive of Drought 2011

Oklahoma Agriculture Secretary Jim Reese spoke on Tuesday at the Oklahoma Farm Bureau Drought Summit meeting focusing on the losses in agriculture across the state of Oklahoma. Despite the losses across the state, Reese says he is choosing to focus on the positives of the drought.

Reese stressed the importance of remaining optimistic about recovering from the drought, saying while this has been a historic drought with historic heat, it has also been a year with historic prices and historic consumer demand for agricultural products. However, Reese says this will more than likely be a year with a historic amount of agricultural production loss.

Secretary Reese, with the help of the National Agriculture Statistics Service, presented the total losses so far for hay in the state at $294 million. The loss for cotton is $136 million, while wheat loss came in at $122 million. The overall crop loss approaches $1 billion for the 2011 year. However, Radio Oklahoma Network has been told that the Oklahoma State University Agricultural Economics department is also working on some drought numbers for loss as well. These numbers will be available in a few weeks.

Reese also presented the loss when it comes to cattle for the past year. The number of cattle sold from January 1 to July 31 has increased by 45,757 head, a total of 5% increase. This comes up to a total loss of $1 billion for cattle in Oklahoma as well. The total amount of loss then for Oklahoma is roughly $2 billion for 2011. Reese says that while this is $2 billion lost in agricultural product that does not translate to $2 billion lost to Oklahoma producers.

Via Oklahoma Farm Report
Read the entire article: Agriculture Secretary Jim Reese Focusing on the Positive of Drought 2011

Uncertainty Surrounds 2012 Wheat Crop

Grandfield has now reached 100 degrees for 93 days in 2011 shattering the previous record held by Hollis in 1956. Producers are ready to put the 2011 year behind them and are looking ahead to the 2012 crop year. Record temperatures, drought conditions and high soil temperatures across the state are raising concerns for the upcoming wheat crop. Producers are ready to plant but with the lack of moisture, planting is on hold. As producers wait on moisture conditions to improve, news from the OSU wheat trials has shown that more drought tolerant varieties are on the market, and in the pipeline. Buffalo and Freedom both set the week's high temperature at 112 degrees with a low of 56 degrees at Nowata and Oilton. Rainfall was light across the state with the North Central district reporting 0.21 inches with only traces reported in the Southwest district of 0.03 inches. Topsoil moisture conditions declined with 77 percent rated very short. Subsoil moisture conditions also declined with 87 percent rated very short. There were 6.6 days suitable for field work.

Small Grains: Dry soil moisture conditions continued to keep field work at a reduced pace, as seedbed preparations are behind normal for all small grains. Plowing of wheat ground was 86 percent complete and 26 percent of seedbeds were prepared by week's end. Rye ground plowed reached 87 percent complete and 18 percent of seedbeds were prepared by Sunday. Plowing of oat ground reached 91 percent complete with 28 percent of seedbeds prepared. Canola seedbed preparation reached 44 percent complete by the end of the week.

Row Crops: Crop conditions continued a downward slide showing no improvements. Crop conditions continued to be rated poor to very poor, with peanuts being the exception holding a rating of fair to good. Of the corn still in the fields, 92 percent reached the dent stage, 43 percent was mature and 22 percent had been harvested by week's end. Sorghum heading reached 63 percent complete, coloring reached 33 percent complete and 11 percent was mature by Sunday. Soybean blooming was 88 percent complete, and 58 percent were setting pods by week's end. Peanuts setting pods reached 70 percent by Sunday, 24 points behind normal. Cotton squaring was 94 percent complete, and 69 percent was setting bolls, significantly behind normal. Eleven percent of the cotton had reached boll opening by week's end.

Hay: Conditions continued to be rated mostly very poor for all hay. Second cuttings of alfalfa reached 93 percent complete and third cuttings reached 38 percent complete, 60 points behind normal. First cuttings of other hay were 94 percent complete and the second cutting was only 17 percent complete by Sunday, 36 points behind the five-year average.

Via USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service
Read the entire article: Uncertainty Surrounds 2012 Wheat Crop

USDA Extends Deadline for Emergency Haying of CRP Acres in Texas

USDA Texas Farm Service Agency (FSA) Executive Director Juan M. Garcia today announced that, in response to drought conditions, the National FSA Office has extended the deadline for emergency haying use of Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) acres for all Texas counties that are currently approved for emergency haying.

Emergency haying of land enrolled in CRP has been extended through September 30, 2011.

"Eligible producers who are interested in emergency haying of CRP must request approval before haying eligible acreage," said Garcia. "Producers must also obtain a modified conservation plan from the Natural Resources Conservation Service that includes haying requirements," he said.

There will be a 25 percent CRP payment reduction for CRP acres used for haying under these emergency provisions.

Upon approval of emergency haying, producers must leave at least 50 percent of each field or contiguous field unhayed for wildlife. If a county is eligible for emergency haying and grazing, the same CRP acreage cannot be both hayed and/or grazed at the same time. For example, if 50 percent of a field or contiguous field is hayed, the remaining unhayed 50 percent cannot be grazed; it must remain unhayed and ungrazed for wildlife.

Via U.S. Department of Agriculture, Texas Farm Service Agency
Read the entire article: USDA Extends Deadline for Emergency Haying of CRP Acres in Texas

SUNUP TV Drought Videos: August 27th Episode

Via Oklahoma State University's SUNUP TV
See more videos from the episode: SUNUP TV Drought Videos: August 27th Episode

If Feed is Short, Should You Feed or Ship?

It's difficult in any significant drought to decide whether to sell out and buy back in later, or to feed through it. For producers living through the current drought, deciding is extra tough because cattle prices are so high.

"Calf prices are going to be high enough that producers can justify feeding more than they ever could before in a drought situation," says Ron Gill, Texas AgriLife Services Extension beef specialist.

On the other hand, feed prices are high, too, and Gill explains, "If you decide to keep cows now (in the drought areas), you're committing to feeding them hay for the next nine months."

Finding an answer to that basic question dominated Rodney Jones' time this summer. He's an Oklahoma State University Extension agricultural economist.

Jones says the key factors in the feed-or-ship decision are: cost per day of maintaining the cow, the value of the cow if sold now, how long the drought is going to last, and what it will cost to replace what you're selling.

Via BEEF Magazine
Read the entire article: If Feed is Short, Should You Feed or Ship?

Drought Killing North Texas Trees

Drought in North Texas means even the mightiest of trees are scorching, wilting and dropping leaves and in extreme cases they're dying.

Horticulturist Steve McCoy said most trees need help now, especially if the bark is separating or the leaves are turning brown and dropping all over the place.

"We want to stress that the trees are not dying necessarily, yet. Now if people don't take action and increase their watering we might have some troubles down the road," McCoy said.

In some places rain is the only answer.

Via KDFW
Read the entire article: Drought Killing North Texas Trees

Texas Drought Sending More Cattle to Auction

The relentless drought still gripping the state has dried up drinking water for cattle, pushing ranchers to sell off parts or all of their herds at auction. Matt Largey of KUT News reports.

Audio report:

Download audio file

Via The Texas Tribune
Read the entire article: Texas Drought Sending More Cattle to Auction

This summer's drought may worsen next year

As historically bad as this summer's drought has been, we may not have seen the worst of it.

There's growing concern among some scientists that Texas' drought could linger through another dry winter and return next summer to more deeply ravage an already water-stressed state.

"I've started telling anyone who's interested that it's likely much of Texas will still be in severe drought this time next summer, with water supply implications even worse than those we are now experiencing," said John Nielsen-Gammon, the state climatologist and a Texas A&M University professor.

In the short term, there's little relief in store. Houston topped 100 degrees (101) again Monday, beating the record of 32 total days with temperatures reaching the century mark set in 1980 (not consecutive).

Via the Houston Chronicle
Read the entire article: This summer's drought may worsen next year

Oklahoma Crop Weather Update

Sunday, August 21st marked the 86th day this year that temperatures reached 100 degrees in Grandfield, tying the state record set by Hollis during the summer of 1956. Average high temperatures for the week reached into the upper 90's to lower 100's across Oklahoma. The high for the week was set in the Southeast district reaching 110 degrees in Talihina with the low of 63 degrees reported in Cookson in the East Central district. Rainfall was extremely sporadic across the state with the Panhandle receiving a modest 0.35 inches while the Southwest district received only a trace at 0.05 inches. Wildlife were struggling with the high temperatures and wildfires, which have now burned more than 150,000 acres. Last week, firefighters in Johnston County fought a wildfire that destroyed almost 2,000 acres although no structural damage was reported. Topsoil and subsoil moisture conditions were unchanged with 71 percent and 83 percent rated very short, respectively. There were 6.3 days suitable for field work.

Via USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service
Read the entire article: Oklahoma Crop Weather Update

University of Missouri Completes First Drought Simulator

Historically, droughts have had devastating effects on agriculture, causing famine and increasing consumer food costs. Now, researchers at the University of Missouri College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR) have completed two drought simulators designed to test the effects of water deficiency on crops. The simulators are located at the University of Missouri's Bradford Research and Extension Center east of Columbia.

The simulators, part of a $1.5 million Missouri Life Sciences Research Board grant, are essentially mobile greenhouses measuring 50 feet by 100 feet. To simulate drought, researchers move the greenhouses over plants when it is raining and move them away from plants when it is sunny. A test plot of the same plants will be kept next to the simulator to provide a comparison. The drought simulators will increase the real-world application of scientific research, as they allow researchers to more closely mimic actual drought conditions.

When funding is available, additional simulators will be built at the Delta Research Center in Portageville, Mo., in the southeastern part of the state, and at the Horticulture and Agroforestry Research Center in New Franklin, Mo. These locations represent a variety of environments, crop species and soil types, allowing researchers to test any agriculturally important crop, forage and turf species grown in Missouri and surrounding states.

Via University of Missouri News Bureau
Read the entire article: University of Missouri Completes First Drought Simulator

Texas Agricultural Drought Losses Reach Record $5.2 billion

The historic Texas drought has led to a record $5.2 billion in agricultural losses, making it the most costly drought on record, according to Texas AgriLife Extension Service economists.

"The drought of 2011 will have a lasting impact on Texas agriculture," said Dr. Travis Miller, AgriLife Extension agronomist and a member of the Governor's Drought Preparedness Council.

Click on the play button in the screen below to listen to Dr. Miller's comments on the drought across the Southern Plains and the effect this weather is having on agriculture.

"This drought is ongoing," said Dr. David Anderson, AgriLife Extension livestock economist. "Further losses will continue if rainfall does not come soon to establish this year's winter wheat crop and wheat grazing."

Via Oklahoma Farm Report
Read the entire article: Texas Agricultural Drought Losses Reach Record $5.2 billion

Global temperatures were seventh warmest on record for July

The globe experienced its seventh warmest July since record keeping began in 1880. July's Arctic sea ice extent was the smallest on record for that month since records began in 1979.

The monthly analysis from NOAA's National Climatic Data Center is part of the suite of climate services NOAA provides government, business and community leaders so they can make informed decisions.

Via NOAA
Read the entire article: Global temperatures were seventh warmest on record for July

Joint Legislative Water Committee to Begin Looking at Oklahoma Water Needs

State Representative Phil Richardson has been appointed as one of the co-chairman of the Joint Legislative Water Committee, which will begin holding meetings this Wednesday, August 17. Richardson says the goal of the committee is to look at the results of the Water Resources Board's five year study on water in Oklahoma.

Richardson says the committee hopes to really think about how to adopt the state water plan in Oklahoma over the course of the committee's eight meetings. Ultimately, Richardson says he hopes the meetings will lead to some sort of legislation on water in the upcoming year.

One of the topics to be discussed during the committee meetings, according to Richardson, is the issue of infrastructure concerning water. It is estimated that it will cost the state $2 billion over the next 50 years to address the issue of infrastructure of the distribution of water across the state says Richardson.

Via Oklahoma Farm Report
Read the entire article: Joint Legislative Water Committee to Begin Looking at Oklahoma Water Needs

Oklahoma July Warmest on Record for U.S.

Grover Cleveland was serving his second term as President in 1895. Victoria was the Queen of England and Will Rogers was still a teenager. It is also the year that statewide average temperature records begin for the United States. There have been 1399 months pass by since 1895. Multiply that number by 48 and you have 67,152 months of temperature records for the contiguous states. How hot was it in Oklahoma last month? Of those statewide average temperature records for the 48 states, none has been hotter than July 2011 in Oklahoma.

According to data from the Oklahoma Mesonet, the statewide average temperature during July came in at 89.1 degrees, more than 7 degrees above normal. High temperatures alone were nearly 9 degrees above normal at 102.9 degrees. The National Climatic Data Center's statewide average for July stands at 88.9 degrees with data still being collected. Both values shattered the country's previous record of 88.1 degrees held by another legendary hot month in Oklahoma, July 1954.

The extreme heat is being fueled by one of the worst short-term droughts in state history. The drought's beginnings date back to August 2010 but intensified beginning in the fall under the influence of La Niña. That climate phenomenon, marked by cooler than normal water temperatures in the eastern equatorial pacific, often means drier weather for the southern United States. The statewide average precipitation total of 16.73 inches since October 1, 2010, is the driest on record at nearly 14 inches below normal. Parts of southwestern Oklahoma have seen less than 6 inches of rain over that 10-month period.

Via Mesonet
Read the entire article: Oklahoma July Warmest on Record for U.S.
See map: Days with Highs Above 100°F

List of Texas PWSs Limiting Water Use to Avoid Shortages

Lists all public water systems that had restrictions in place as of the end of the week. Links to a map showing the location of each system on the list.

Via Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
Read the entire article: List of Texas PWSs Limiting Water Use to Avoid Shortages

Producers May Get Income Tax Relief for Drought Sale of Livestock

If you have sold more livestock than normal due to the drought or other weather related conditions, there are a couple of income tax provisions that may provide some relief. According to J C. Hobbs, Oklahoma State University Assistant Extension Specialist, each provision may allow a producer to reduce the tax consequences of bunching of income if certain conditions are met. The following information is general in nature.

For a more detailed discussion of the rules, reporting requirements, and examples, get a copy of the OSU Extension publication (AGEC-788: Tax Consequences of Weather-Related Sale of Livestock) available at your local County Extension office or online, linked below, in the drought information area.

The first, applies to a producer who has sold more livestock than normal due to the adverse weather. The income from the animals which were sold that were in excess of normal sales may be postponed until the following tax year when the income would have normally been recognized. However certain conditions must be met. The weather related condition must have caused the area to receive a "presidential disaster declaration". In addition the producer's principal business must be farming and use the cash method of accounting. The producer must show that the livestock would normally have been sold in the following year. The weather-related conditions that caused an area to be declared a disaster area must have caused the sale of livestock. This provision applies to any livestock sold in excess of normal due to weather related conditions.

The second provision only applies to breeding, dairy, or draft animals that were sold in excess of normal. For the animals sold in excess of normal, a producer may elect to replace the animals sold, within a two year period, with like animals and thus defer the recognition of income until the new animals are sold. Unlike the first rule, there is no need for a disaster declaration, all that is needed is proof that drought conditions existed which caused the sale of additional animals. However if an area has received a presidential disaster declaration, the replacement period is four years not two.

Via Oklahoma Farm Report
Read the entire article: Producers May Get Income Tax Relief for Drought Sale of Livestock

Oklahoma Spring Planted Crops Hammered By Exceptional Summer Drought of 2011

On Thursday morning, USDA released the latest Crop Production report showing wheat, corn and soybeans all coming in with lower numbers than expected.

The corn crop is pegged at 12.914 billion bushels and also lowered the yield number to 153 bushels per acre, both numbers much lower than what the trade was expecting.

The soybean crop also came in lower at 3.056 billion and a yield of 41.4 bushels per acre.

The new crop ending stocks also came in lower for the corn and soybeans but all wheat came in as expected. This morning's numbers look friendly for the markets today, however, a lot could depend on outside market influence such as the DOW.

In Oklahoma, the spring planted crops were hit very hard by the exceptional drought here in 2011.

Via Oklahoma Farm Report
Read the entire article: Oklahoma Spring Planted Crops Hammered By Exceptional Summer Drought of 2011

More States Ease Hay Transport Rules

The list of states issuing transportation waivers to help farmers and ranchers in drought-afflicted areas grew again last week.

On Aug. 4, the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) announced that it is waving the permit fee for hauling wide loads of hay through the end of the year. Fees will be waived for loads up to 12'4" wide and of legal height, length and weight. Waiving the fee could save haulers up to $64.

The Missouri waiver will also allow wider loads to be moved on holidays and at night, which normally is prohibited. Truck drivers at night must use reflective, oversized load signs and clearance lights instead of flags at the edges of their loads.

On Aug. 5, Texas Gov. Rick Perry extended a state hay transportation waiver through Sept. 1 with the possibility of further extensions every 30 days as long as the drought continues. An initial waiver expired Aug. 4.

Via Hay & Forage Grower
Read the entire article: More States Ease Hay Transport Rules

Texas Cattle Herd Headed for Biggest Drop in History

A Texas cattleman dropped his head and covered his face with a program when a photo of lush, green pasture flashed on the presenter's screen.

"Look at that grass," Larry Pratt said during a presentation at the National Cattlemen's Beef Association summer meeting. A historic drought across the Southern Plains caused tales echoing in the hallways of painful choices, shared most by ranchers whose name badges included a TX or OK. Yet, several economists pointed out the market is giving strong signals to rebuild the long-dwindling herd.

"It seems like it's been our year for disasters," said Texas Farm Bureau cattle specialist Jon Johnson about the drought and wildfires that scorched more than a million acres this spring. "We're just praying for a hurricane as devastating as that is. We'll survive. We always have. We always will."

There's simply no water left in many parts of Texas. Hay prices are skyrocketing. Silage quality and availability are doubtful. Some ranchers are burning pastures and feeding prickly pear just to keep their cattle alive.

Via DTN/The Progressive Farmer
Read the entire article: Texas Cattle Herd Headed for Biggest Drop in History

USDA Extends Emergency CRP Grazing Deadline to October 31

Francie Tolle, executive director of the Oklahoma Farm Service Agency (Farm Service Agency), announced that USDA will extend the emergency grazing period to October 31, 2011 for the thirty-two counties in Oklahoma that have been approved for emergency grazing of Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) acres due to the extreme drought conditions.

The approved counties are: Alfalfa, Beaver, Beckham, Blaine, Bryan, Caddo, Cimarron, Comanche, Cotton, Custer, Dewey, Ellis, Grady, Grant, Greer, Harmon, Harper, Jackson, Jefferson, Kay, Kiowa, Logan, Major, McCurtain, Osage, Roger Mills, Stephens, Texas, Tillman, Washita, Woods, and Woodward.

"Most areas of Oklahoma are experiencing extreme drought conditions that are causing crop failure and the dispersal of livestock herds," said Tolle. "Many ranchers have been or will be forced to sell livestock due to drought and USDA is committed to doing what we can to help our farmers and ranchers during these challenging times."

The period normally allowed for emergency grazing lasts through Sept. 30, 2011. Farm Service Agency is permitting farmers and ranchers in drought stricken states who have been approved for emergency grazing, including those in Colorado, Kansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas, to extend the emergency grazing period to Oct. 31, 2011, without an additional payment reduction. Eligible producers who are interested in grazing CRP need to first contact their local Farm Service Agency (Farm Service Agency) office to sign appropriate paperwork before any grazing may begin.

Via Oklahoma Farm Report
Read the entire article: USDA Extends Emergency CRP Grazing Deadline to October 31

Wildlife assistance available

A true team effort exists in response to wildfires in the state of Texas, as numerous state and federal agencies offer help to those responding to and recovering from the fires.

In addition to support from the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Farm Service Agency (FSA) and Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) also have assistance programs available.

"Mother Nature has not been kind to Texas farmers and ranchers in 2011," said Juan M. Garcia, state executive director for Texas FSA. "Although not a remedy to the extensive hardships and heartbreak experienced by many producers this year, it's my hope that FSA's disaster programs and loans can alleviate some of the financial strain producers have suffered from the devastating impact of the recent natural disasters."

Via Texas Agriculture
Read the entire article: Wildlife assistance available

Waiver Extension Assists Ranchers Devastated by Drought

Texas ranchers suffering from the worst one-year drought on record can continue to count on a hay transportation waiver to help feed their dwindling herds. At the request of Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples, Gov. Rick Perry extended the waiver from August 4 to September 1 with the possibility of further extensions every 30 days as long as the drought continues. The waiver relaxes certain restrictions and permitting requirements in order to expedite the transport of hay.

"This year's drought may become the most costly in state history for Texas farmers and ranchers," Commissioner Staples said. "The devastation is unprecedented. Texas ranchers are in desperate need of hay to feed their herds and this transportation waiver will help in these troubled times. It is critical to employ every resource available to avoid further herd reduction, which is why I'm working with surrounding states to obtain similar waivers on any highway that stands between drought-parched Texas and available hay supplies in other regions of the nation."

This Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) waiver temporarily suspends height, width and length restrictions on round hay bales and associated permit fees for hay carriers. Public safety remains a priority and therefore dictates that all other legal requirements, including licensing, registration, insurance and safety precautions continue to be in place and monitored closely for compliance. The waiver also considers alternate routing wherever possible.

Via the Texas Department of Agriculture
Read the entire article: Waiver Extension Assists Ranchers Devastated by Drought

Desperate Times Call For Desperate Measures in Pasture Recovery and Hay Feeding

Although not an uncommon sight for this time year, there a many warm-season grass pastures that are dormant. What is different is the extended drought which reduced normal forage production somewhere near 70% of the usual seasonal total. All of this has been further complicated by a regional shortage of hay with most of the available hay being low quality and expensive.

The three-month forecast is for continued dry weather through October. If this is the case, it could be March before any appreciable forage can be grown for pasture. With hay feeding costs ranging from $2 to $3 per head per day, the potential cost of continued feeding a single animal through to March could be as great as $600. There are few situations where feeding hay for this length of time is profitable.

From now through at least early November, it may be necessary to restrict animals to a central feeding location to allow the forage time to grow or the pastures to recover. This allows for both short-term and long-term pasture recovery. In order to do this, it is important to:

1. Move animals to the worst pasture (sacrifice area).
2. Allow the better pastures an opportunity to recover.
3. Reduce the need to renovate a large number of acres.
4. Increase nutrient supply of low fertility soils.

This situation raises the following question: What are the reasonable forage production options for the upcoming fall and spring?

Via Oklahoma Farm Report
Read the entire article: Desperate Times Call For Desperate Measures in Pasture Recovery and Hay Feeding

Will Beef Producers Leave the Industry Because of Severe Drought?

Tom Field, head of Producer Education for NCBA, says he is worried about the drought hitting cattle herds, causing liquidation, and in turn causing many older cattle producers to leave the industry.

Field says the big loss would be the intellectual capital that will leave the beef industry when these cattlemen that have been in the business for a long time leave. Field also says this causes concern for the stability of rural communities.

Another cause for concern, says Field, is the size of the U.S. beef cow herd, which was estimated at 31.4 million head of beef cows according to the USDA in early July. This goes along with the number of beef cattle producers, which Field says he never thought he would see under one million, but is currently around three-fourths of one million.

Via Oklahoma Farm Report
Read the entire article: Will Beef Producers Leave the Industry Because of Severe Drought?

Cattle Liquidation Increasing from Drought Conditions

The expanding extreme drought in the Southern Plains is causing a significant acceleration of cattle liquidation in the region, according to OSU Extension Livestock Market Economist, Dr. Derrell Peel. In Oklahoma, the combined total for federally reported auctions the past two weeks has shown a 56 percent increase in feeder cattle sales and a 205 percent increase in cow and bull sales compared to the same period one year ago. The auction totals include significant numbers of double-stocked summer stockers from the Osage country that are typically marketed this time of year.

However, there are large numbers of cows and lightweight feeder cattle that are not typically marketed this time of year. Most likely we are seeing a second wave of cow liquidation made up of cows with spring born calves that are just now big enough to early wean and sell. We are receiving many anecdotal stories from auctions, both large and small of excessive numbers of feeder cattle and cows being marketed. Livestock haulers are booked and it is difficult to arrange shipping at this time.

Prices for slaughter cows, bred cows and cow-calf pairs have dropped sharply in the past two weeks. This is likely a temporary situation due, in part, to the bottlenecks of selling and shipping so many animals in a short period of time. Producers are selling because they have no other alternatives but those with the ability to postpone sales for a couple of weeks may find the logistics as well as the price better. It is hard to say how long the current bulge in cow liquidation will last but most likely it will be a matter of no more than another 2-4 weeks.

Via Oklahoma Farm Report
Read the entire article: Cattle Liquidation Increasing from Drought Conditions

Crop Weather Update - Drought Continues to Devastate Oklahoma Spring-Planted Crops

The latest Oklahoma Crop Weather Update is still focusing on the expanding drought and lack of rain- "The extreme heat and lack of precipitation continued to affect livestock ponds and water supplies. Some municipalities issued water use restrictions and blue green algae continued to be a problem. Pasture conditions continued to deteriorate causing more reliance on hay and supplemental feeding. Governor Fallin recognized this by easing restrictions on trucks hauling hay this past Friday. Dryland crops continued to fail and were being salvaged for livestock feed. In the face of limited hay supplies, cattle operators continued selling additional cattle. Topsoil and subsoil moisture conditions continued to be rated mostly very short."

According to the USDA, for our spring-planted crops- "Conditions of all row crops continued to decline over the past week due to the drought and record-breaking heat. Reports of corn and sorghum being cut for hay increased as dryland crops continued to fail and even irrigated crops were being impacted by the lack of irrigation water. Corn silking reached 96 percent complete by week's end. Sixty-four percent of the crop had reached the dough stage by Sunday and 19 percent had reached the dent stage, both ahead of normal. Sorghum heading reached 45 percent complete, 19 points ahead of the five-year average. Soybean blooming was 52 percent complete by Sunday, and seven percent were setting pods by week's end. Peanut pegging was 86 percent complete and 18 percent of plants were setting pods, a 13 point increase from the previous week, though significantly behind normal. Cotton emerged reached 79 percent complete by Sunday and cotton squaring was 44 percent complete, both significantly behind the five-year average. A small portion of the cotton crop was setting bolls by week's end, 21 points behind normal."

The hay and pasture conditions continue to worsen this past week and were rated mostly poor. Hay supplies continue to dwindle because of limited hay growth. Pasture conditions aren't much better as operations continue to liquidate cattle because of limited hay supply.

Via Oklahoma Crop Weather Report
Read the entire article: Drought Continues to Devastate

Governor Fallin Allowing Wider Hay Trailers on Oklahoma Roads

Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin today signed an executive order allowing haulers of hay to carry larger loads in their trucks. The order comes in light of the ongoing drought, which has left some farmers without access to hay for livestock. The Radio Oklahoma Network's Keith Merkx talked with Oklahoma Secretary of Agriculture Jim Reese about the decision- you can hear that conversation by clicking on the LISTEN BAR at the bottom of the story.

Current rules restrict haulers of hay to dimensions of 11 feet in width. Governor Fallin's executive order increases those limits to 12 feet. Because a standard hay bale is six feet in width, this change doubles the amount of hay bales capable of being hauled per truck without a permit.

Additionally, for those vehicles transporting hay to livestock, the executive order temporarily suspends the requirement for an oversized vehicle permit within these limits.

"The historical drought we are now facing is having a serious impact on our entire state, and farmers are among the hardest hit," Fallin said. "Many farmers are experiencing shortages of hay, leaving their livestock severely underfed. To try and alleviate that problem and expedite access to food, I have decided to loosen the restrictions on trucks hauling hay, so we can get as much food to market as quickly as possible."

American Farmers & Ranchers applauds Gov. Mary Fallin for signing the executive order temporarily suspending certain requirements for transporting hay. An AFR member requested the relief earlier this week after having struggled to work through the system of permits and regulations to haul large loads across the state.

Via Oklahoma Farm Report
Read the entire article: Governor Fallin Allowing Wider Hay Trailers on Oklahoma Roads

Drought is taking toll on Texas aquifers

The ferocious Texas drought is clobbering crops, thinning out cattle herds, decimating wildlife, and drying up streams and reservoirs, but it's also wreaking havoc deep underground, where the state's aquifers are dropping at a precipitous rate, experts say.

The dip in groundwater levels is forcing many rural homeowners who depend on residential wells to spend $500 to $1,000 to have their pumps lowered or, worse, $7,500 or more to have deeper wells drilled.

Lee Weaver knew he was facing a serious problem when he watched his lawn sprinkler dwindle to a meager squirt at his home south of Fort Worth.

A half-dozen miles to the west, in a small Aledo-area development, Pete and Stephanie Baldwin were confronting the same sobering reality -- the well at their 10-year-old home with a St. Augustine lawn and an inviting pool was barely pumping.

Via the Ft. Worth Star-Telegram
Read the entire article: Drought is taking toll on Texas aquifers