Water Level
|
632.13 ft
updated 5:00 PM
|
Live Webcam
Vacation Rentals
|
Harsh drought costing Texas farmers billions
Posted: Fri, 31 Jul 2009 09:26 AM - 8,203 Readers
By: Mike Tolson
While Southeast Texas has reverted to more typical summer weather, including more clouds and periodic showers, much of the state is suffering from drought conditions so bad they have inflicted billions of dollars in agricultural losses. More than a third of the state's midsection, stretching from Central Texas down to the Mexico border, has been plagued by extremely hot and dry weather. Of Texas' 254 counties, 77 are dealing with “extreme” or “exceptional” drought conditions, the two worst categories. That translates into millions of acres of ruined crops and a lack of pastureland and water that has forced ranchers to cull or sell off herds prematurely at lower prices. Rainfall is below average over most of the state, with only Dallas and El Paso among urban areas reporting more than normal. Agricultural damage has been pegged at $3.6 billion so far, with that total sure to go higher. Texas Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples, describing conditions as “devastating,” has appealed to the federal government for drought assistance for producers. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has declared 70 counties natural disaster areas. Much of that area began to experience drier than normal weather starting in September 2007. San Antonio, for example, has gone through a period that is its driest 23 consecutive months in recorded history, said John Nielsen-Gammon, state climatologist. The 7.5 inches of rain it had received from January through June was less than half its normal amount. “If you want really dramatic deficits, look at Corpus Christi, which has had less than a quarter of its normal rainfall,” Nielsen-Gammon said. “And there are areas around there that have had 10 percent or less.” Chalk it up to bad luck, Nielsen-Gammon said. A persistent ridge of high pressure through the middle of the country this spring and summer brought cooler and wetter weather to eastern states, he said. As that ridge began to weaken, parts of Texas benefitted. South Central Texas did not. “This is not rivaling the 1950s with respect to water supply issues,” he said. “But on a short-term basis, it's just as devastating to ranchers and farmers.” Texas agriculture production tops $20 billion annually, said Bryan Black, Agriculture Department spokesman. This year's losses should knock at least 20 percent off that amount. And winter planting, which typically begins in August, could be imperiled by a lack of moisture content in the topsoil, Black said. The drought of the 1950s lingered for years and affected much of the state and surrounding states, Nielsen-Gammon said, but he and other weather forecasters do not expect a repeat of that scenario. Conditions look favorable for a wetter fall and winter thanks to developing El Nino conditions.
[edit]
|
Lake Travis News
LCRA to reopen Lake Travis for public use Wednesday
Nov 6, 2018
|
34,586 Readers |
LCRA: Lakes could open by Nov. 2 depending on conditions
Oct 30, 2018
|
28,244 Readers |
Mansfield Dam floodgates to close starting Thursday
Oct 30, 2018
|
31,190 Readers |
LCRA will not open more gates at Mansfield Dam at this time
Oct 18, 2018
|
29,355 Readers |
Lago Vista residents prepare to evacuate due to flooding of Lake Travis
Oct 18, 2018
|
33,343 Readers |
An incredible view of an open Mansfield Dam : Youtube video
Oct 18, 2018
|
29,706 Readers |
Lake Travis expected to hit highest level since 1991 by Friday
Oct 17, 2018
|
27,500 Readers |
Hike and bike trail on Lady Bird Lake closed due to rising water
Oct 17, 2018
|
26,755 Readers |
Lake Travis expected to open 4 more floodgates. Take Precaution
Oct 17, 2018
|
30,500 Readers |
Record number of Mansfield dam floodgates could open
Oct 17, 2018
|
23,062 Readers |
Alamo’s Jaws on the Water is back to scare you while you float on Lake Travis
May 15, 2018
|
27,646 Readers |
This student’s wakeboarding graduation photoshoot is so epic she deserves another degree
May 8, 2018
|
25,671 Readers |
Here’s why you can’t swim in Lady Bird Lake. Wait — you can’t swim in Lady Bird Lake?
Aug 8, 2017
|
29,188 Readers |
5 Ways to Try Paddleboarding in Austin
Aug 4, 2017
|
28,093 Readers |
Why Is Hippie Hollow Clothing-Optional?
Jul 31, 2017
|
31,915 Readers |
JAWS on the Water - Friday, June 30th
Jun 27, 2017
|
27,607 Readers |
Memorial Day Weekend watercraft ban on Lake Austin
May 25, 2017
|
29,889 Readers |
Travis County officials prep for Memorial Day weekend on Lake Travis
May 23, 2017
|
27,446 Readers |
West Austin 4-H Offers Opportunities Beyond Just Raising Animals
Aug 9, 2016
|
37,674 Readers |
Large Crowds Expected at Lake Travis For Holiday Weekend
Jul 1, 2016
|
39,364 Readers |
Lake levels falling fast as Texas drought continues
Jul 27, 2022
|
14,827 Readers |
Repairing Lake Travis homes damaged by flooding
Nov 2, 2018
|
29,522 Readers |
Lake Travis now more than 120 percent full
Oct 17, 2018
|
22,877 Readers |
Graveyard Point residents brace for flooding
Oct 17, 2018
|
24,377 Readers |
Floodgate Operations Underway at Local Lakes During Flooding
Oct 16, 2018
|
24,366 Readers |
As Flood Risk Increases, Austin Will Revisit Its Floodplain Building Rules
Oct 15, 2018
|
24,646 Readers |
Up to 35 days of 100-degree heat this summer in Austin area, LCRA says
May 9, 2018
|
26,401 Readers |
Lake Buchanan rises nearly 8 inches due to rain
Aug 8, 2017
|
29,572 Readers |
One floodgate open at Starcke Dam
Aug 7, 2017
|
27,072 Readers |
Driving on RM 620, I see islands sticking out of the lake. Is the drought returning?
Jul 14, 2017
|
28,329 Readers |
Spectacular catch highlights our High School Plays of the week
Oct 16, 2018
|
22,431 Readers |
Classic Berth, Big Payday On The Line At Toyota Bassmaster Texas Fest
May 15, 2018
|
26,978 Readers |
Several newcomers already set to play for Texas in 2017
Aug 7, 2017
|
28,367 Readers |
PGA to Austin: We had lots of fun, so let’s do it again in 2017
Apr 1, 2016
|
38,651 Readers |
Jordan Spieth Off To Good Start In Austin Return
Mar 24, 2016
|
38,272 Readers |
Katy vs Lake Travis game makes the list!
Jan 13, 2016
|
35,949 Readers |
Game of the week: Lake Travis (7-0) at Westlake (7-0)
Oct 19, 2015
|
38,011 Readers |
Lake Travis repeats as regional golf champions
Apr 17, 2015
|
40,389 Readers |
Lake Travis’ Bacon ties national HR record
Mar 14, 2015
|
40,775 Readers |
Westlake, Lake Travis sweep District 14-6A awards
Mar 11, 2015
|
41,674 Readers |
Shack 512 Relaxed, lakeside dining accessible by car or by boat
May 16, 2018
|
26,656 Readers |
Residents addressing wildfire risks in Lake Travis, Westlake
May 16, 2018
|
25,682 Readers |
Ex-Point Venture water employee accused of misappropriating $65K
May 16, 2018
|
26,259 Readers |
West Lake Hills’ new drainage manual created in an effort to reduce flooding
May 15, 2018
|
26,926 Readers |
Round Rock City Council approves cost share for zebra mussel control in Lake Travis
May 11, 2018
|
27,675 Readers |
Nautical Boat Clubs Launches Lake Austin Location in Westlake
May 5, 2018
|
27,391 Readers |
City looking for help to curb storm drain pollution
Aug 5, 2017
|
27,204 Readers |
Apache Shores features waterfront views, trails, park
Jul 14, 2017
|
26,466 Readers |
10-year Mansfield Dam rehabilitation project will keep Austin safe
Apr 27, 2017
|
27,818 Readers |
Overflowing Lake Travis isn't all bad news for businesses
Jun 8, 2016
|
36,418 Readers |
Appraisal protest trend continues as assessments rise
May 16, 2018
|
26,213 Readers |
Go Inside This Lake Austin Remodel
May 10, 2018
|
24,080 Readers |
Modern guesthouse tower adds space, views to lakeside cabin
Sep 28, 2017
|
29,331 Readers |
A Striking Sanctuary in Texas Inspired by a Sand Dollar
Aug 8, 2017
|
29,780 Readers |
Contemporary Architectural Masterpiece on Lake Austin
Jul 30, 2017
|
27,425 Readers |
Lake Austin mansion with a Romeo and Juliet balcony, including dramatic backstory
Jul 28, 2017
|
27,632 Readers |
Midcentury-modern home overlooks Lake Austin, Pennybacker Bridge
May 27, 2016
|
37,590 Readers |
Lake Travis Waterfront Retreat Offered by Heritage Luxury Real Estate Auctions
May 18, 2016
|
37,762 Readers |
In Lago Vista, big dreams for $68 million ranch property
May 14, 2016
|
37,693 Readers |
This Texas Barn Mansion on Lake Travis is Out of This World
May 6, 2016
|
41,508 Readers |
News Archives 2009 - Select a Month
|