By Emmy Powell
Communications Specialist
Despite some rainfall across the state this week, drought remains an issue for farmers and ranchers.
The prolonged dry conditions and extreme heat have ranchers facing dry pastures and stock tanks with little to no water.
For Matthew Krueger, who farms and ranches in Bexar County, the drought has been tough.
“Usually, we put up about 1,800 round bales a year. We sell a good majority of that and keep about 400 for our cows. But we didn’t even make 400 for ourselves this year, and that was with irrigation,” Krueger said.
On a good year, Krueger said they bale about 1,800 round bales and 8,000 square bales. But they’ve only had an inch and three-quarters of rain since last November, leading to little grazing and hay for cattle.
“Normally, we wouldn’t bale corn stalks for hay, but on this kind of a year, it’s a necessity just to make ends meet,” he said, “I’m probably going to haul about 60 calves and some cows to the auction barn earlier than I usually would.”
It’s not just the drought affecting farmers and ranchers. It’s the increased costs for fuel, seed, fertilizer and more.
“With diesel prices so high, it’s hard to even make ends meet to water to make hay. Fertilizer and chemicals—all input costs—this year were so high. This year has definitely been a struggle,” Krueger said.
Although the drought of 2011 was tough, Krueger says this could be worse.
“2011 was rough, but I really think this year’s going to be worse,” he said. “We’re already to the stage we were in 2011. We’re so far behind on rain. We could get five inches, and it’s still not going to help.”
He is trying to stay positive and make changes where needed as he prepares for the rest of the year.
“You have to look at the bright side. Every day we’re one day closer to the rain,” he said.
And the forecast shows some rain chances for Bexar County next week.