By Emmy Powell
Communications Specialist

Drought conditions across the Lone Star State continue to vary.

While portions of Texas have seen some relief from the long-term drought, the Panhandle is still experiencing severe to exceptional drought. Ochiltree County AgriLife Extension Agent Scott Strawn said the area’s wheat crop is suffering from a lack of rain.

“The majority of it’s not going to make harvest, even if we had perfect weather conditions from here on out. It’s just not going to recover,” he said.

The wind and sand storm earlier this year also severely damaged or completely destroyed many irrigated and dryland wheat fields.

Pastures, Strawn said, are also very dry heading into the summer. “When I look at the range of pastures, that’s a real desperate situation, too. Even with a little bit of light rain in some of our areas of range land, I just think that’s not enough, and in fact, it could be a problem,” Strawn said in an interview with the Texas Farm Bureau Radio Network.

He urges ranchers to be mindful when grazing livestock on pastures, pastures, noting that farmers in the county had tough planting decisions to make.

Mostly hot, windy and dry conditions, combined with the lack of moisture, has Panhandle farmers and ranchers concerned about the year. But although drought continues to linger, some are feeling optimistic.

Justin Crownover, owner Lonestar Family Farms in the Panhandle, is hopeful conditions will improve.

“Just trying to get ready for growing crops this summer. Trying to keep wheat wet, trying to get a profile built for corn and cotton,” Crownover said. “Obviously those are very challenging. We’re very fortunate that the energy markets have dropped. Natural gas has come off, fertilizer prices dropped to the 40%, and there’s just a lot of opportunity out there.”

According to the latest Water Weekly drought report from the Texas Water Development Board, 58% of Texas is suffering from drought. That’s down from nearly 90% of the state at this time last year.

“I look forward to this year, and I thoroughly believe with the drought breaking in California and Arizona, we’re next. It’s coming. It’s going to rain,” he said.