Drought

Dry, warm conditions persisted in Southwest Texas. Temperatures rose back into the high-80s, with no rain in sight. Soils remained dry with visible cracks, and forage availability dwindled. The last cotton bales were hauled to the gin. The pecan harvest was completed. High temperatures and a lack of moisture prevented cool-season forage from germinating, while warm-season plants continued to go dormant. There was a significant amount of dry fuel that could contribute to fire risks. Irrigated oats and wheat looked fair, but pastures and rangelands dried up due to above-average temperatures and insufficient rainfall. Water well levels were a concern, and Canyon Lake’s levels dropped to the point that stricter water restrictions were anticipated. Livestock received supplementation and were mostly in fair condition. Wildlife were active, with whitetail bucks beginning their rut. There was a slight chance of rain in the forecast, with cooler temperatures expected. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Oct 29, 2024 Dry conditions continued in Southwest Texas, and it was very dusty. Overnight temperatures dropped to the high 60s to low 70s. No rainfall was reported, and none was in the forecast. Moisture conditions continued to decline, leading to a deterioration in pasture and rangeland conditions. Emerged small grains were holding on, but producers were waiting to plant winter forages until they received some moisture. The cotton harvest concluded, yielding better results than the previous year for both irrigated and dryland fields. Producers sold cattle at lighter weights, and some were destocking their herd. Stock tanks were drying up, necessitating supplemental water for livestock. Livestock markets were steady. Acorn crops matured as deer season began, and livestock grazed and received some supplemental forage. Wildlife were active and seeking water. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Oct 16, 2024 Conditions in Southwest Texas were hot and humid with no rain and some relief from cooler morning temperatures. Nighttime temperatures dropped into the mid-50s to 60s in some areas. There was no rain and soils were drying and beginning to crack. Row crop harvests were complete. Pastures were going dormant and forage quality declined due to the dry conditions. Wildlife activity started to pick up as oaks and wild pecans began to drop nuts and acorns. White-tailed deer became more active. Supplemental feeding of livestock continued. Overall, livestock and wildlife remained in good condition. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Oct 1, 2024

Mild to warm temperatures continued with no rainfall reported in South Texas, causing topsoil and subsoil moisture levels to decline. Temperatures ranged from the 60s to low-90s, and reports of roadside fires increased due to hot, dry conditions. Agricultural conditions were poor across many areas due to the lack of rain and no water in irrigation canals. Most crops were harvested, and fieldwork was mostly at a standstill. Peanut and sesame harvesting continued, and strawberry planting was near completion. Winter and fall vegetables were still being planted or harvested, with fall corn progressing well. The citrus harvest, and planting of onions and leafy greens continued. Forage producers made their last cuts for the season. Rangeland and pasture conditions varied, but many areas reported declining conditions. Stock tank levels remained low. Ranchers increased feed supplementation due to cooler nights and drought affecting grass growth, and beef cattle markets saw steady volumes with slight price drops. Calf and cull cow sales rose due to drought, with higher numbers of cattle sold at local auctions. Ranchers were selling calves early to benefit from higher prices on 400-500-pound calves, while feed prices remained high. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Oct 29, 2024 Conditions remained dry in South Texas. Mild and moderate temperatures persisted for most of the district, with some counties reporting cool morning and evening temperatures and warm days. Grass and vegetation were turning brown. Topsoil and subsoil moisture conditions remained short. Cooler morning temperatures provided some relief to corn. Cotton harvest was wrapping up. Peanut harvest was underway or nearing. Most sesame fields were close to harvest. Cool-season vegetables looked good. Row crop farmers continued to prepare fields for the next year’s crops. Soil moisture remained good for cool-season vegetables but decreased with the above-normal temperatures. Strawberry planting was 50% complete. Citrus trees were doing well, with harvest for certain varieties beginning in the following weeks. Producers planted oats, winter wheat and leafy greens. Hay and forage producers made their last cuttings of summer grasses. Rangeland and pasture conditions declined. Hay prices ranged from $75 to $100 per round bale. Supplemental feeding continued in areas where rangeland and pasture conditions were unfavorable. Average sale volumes were reported at livestock markets with a slight price increase on feeder cattle, while cull cows, bulls and replacement cattle continued to be in high demand. Ranchers sold the spring calf crop and culled older cows because of the dry conditions. Livestock and wildlife were in good condition. Dove hunting slowed down, and deer and quail season were fast approaching, with deer and quail crops looking to be above average this year. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Oct 16, 2024 Conditions in South Texas were seasonably hot, with lower humidity and little to no rain reported. Some areas reported moderate weather conditions with cooler temperatures in the morning and highs reaching 90 degrees throughout the day. Topsoil and subsoil moisture conditions were short to adequate. Row crop farmers continued to work their ground in preparation for next year’s crop. Cotton harvest was complete in some counties and continued in others. Sesame harvest was complete or neared completion. Peanuts were maturing and close to harvest. Citrus was doing well and fruit continued to mature, and there were reports of fruit fly activity on citrus. Fall corn was in excellent condition, and cool-season vegetables looked good. Hay fields were under irrigation and nearing the next cutting. Forage producers were hoping for one more cutting and were on the lookout for armyworms and other pests. Some pastures were yielding fairly well and in good shape, while rangeland and pasture conditions were slowly declining due to a lack of rainfall in some areas. Beef cattle producers continued to provide supplemental feed in some areas that lacked adequate grazing. Cattle prices remained high and steady. Wildlife were receiving supplemental feed and were a little more active despite the heat. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Oct 1, 2024

Pasture and rangeland conditions were very poor to fair. The subsoil and topsoil moisture levels were short. Days were dry and hot, with no rain reported. Soil and vegetation were showing drought stress. Livestock conditions were fair, but declining water sources continued to lower water quality. The cotton harvest continued. Some hay harvest occurred. Some wheat planting took place, while some was delayed or slowed due to drought. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Oct 29, 2024 Topsoil and subsoil moisture levels were short to adequate for most North Texas counties, with a few reporting very short soil moisture. Pasture and rangeland conditions were very poor to good. The lack of rainfall and dwindling stock tanks were a growing concern for producers. Winter wheat fields were ready for planting. Fig harvest was winding down. Winter greens and lettuce production continued in urban farms and hydroponic operations. Farmers were encouraged to closely monitor their water supplies and soil conditions as they prepared for winter. Livestock conditions were good, and many herds were being supplemented with hay. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Oct 16, 2024 The pasture and rangeland in North Texas were fair to good, and the subsoil and topsoil moisture levels were short and adequate. Some parts of the district received rain ranging from 0.5-1.5 inches. The overall temperature remained high with some daytime temperatures slightly cooler. Pastures were observed as struggling, and livestock were observed as doing well. Some hay, grain sorghum and corn were harvested. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Sept 5, 2024

Temperatures were above normal in Far West Texas, and conditions remained dry. Some parts of the district were significantly worse off than other areas. Soil moisture was critically low and hindering wheat planting and seed germination. Wheat continued to be planted, but earlier-emerged oats and wheat needed rain. Farmers cut and baled late-season hay. Many cotton fields were shredded due to bolls falling off from extreme heat. The cotton harvest on irrigated acres was ramping up. Early varieties of pecans were being harvested at average prices. Winter grass growth slowed due to dry conditions, with reports of armyworms on early planted wheat. Supplemental feeding continued for livestock, which remained in good condition despite the dry pastures. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Oct 29, 2024 Hot and dry conditions continued in Far West Texas before temperatures dropped into the upper 60s and rain fell over most of the district. Rain amounts ranged from trace amounts to 2 inches with more rain in the forecast. Topsoil and subsoil moisture levels were still very short. Cooler temperatures let the cotton crop recover and hang on to a few more bolls. Cotton bolls were beginning to open in the earliest planted fields. Some wheat was expected to be planted soon. Cantaloupe and watermelon were growing well but nearing the end of the growing season. Pecans were growing. Rangeland and pasture conditions remained in very poor condition. The moisture could help pastures with some late-season forage growth. Livestock were in poor to fair condition. Supplemental feeding was necessary in most livestock operations. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Sept 5, 2024

The weather in West Central Texas was warmer than normal and dry, with highs reported in the low 90s and lows in the upper 50s. No precipitation was reported, and winds were high. Cotton yields were coming in much lower than expected, with a large majority of cotton fields being zeroed out due to drought. Wheat was suffering, and armyworms were being reported in fields. Fields planted with seeds treated against armyworms were not being eaten, but overall most wheat fields had yet to emerge. The district needed rain to improve soil moisture, rangeland and growing conditions. Livestock were in fair condition, and there was a continued need to feed livestock and wildlife. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Oct 29, 2024 Higher temperatures prevailed in West Central Texas, with no precipitation recorded, leading to another hot, dry week with daily highs in the mid-90s. Temperatures remained above normal. Some farmers successfully harvested the second round of hay grazer and third round of coastal hay, achieving good tonnage per acre. While many producers began planting wheat, some opted to wait until November. Others continued to dust in wheat and oats, hoping for rain. Emerged wheat required additional moisture, and while dryland cotton showed some progress with lower bolls starting to open, the overall crop remained poor due to summer drought conditions. Pecan harvest began, but results were inconsistent. Pastures remained in fair condition, providing decent grazing. Range showed limited new growth of warm-season grasses due to cooler nighttime temperatures. Livestock were generally in acceptable condition, but some producers fed hay and supplemental protein as smaller stock tanks rapidly declined. The market for cattle was active, with stocker steers selling at steady to slightly lower prices, while feeder steers and heifers showed modest gains. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Oct 16, 2024 Recent weather brought some relief to West Central Texas with cooler temperatures and scattered rain showers, averaging around 0.5 inches for the week. While these conditions eased the intense heat of recent weeks, the district remained critically dry, impacting crops and pastures. Forages resumed some growth, but many warm-season crops and pecan trees continued to suffer from drought stress. Field preparations were underway for fall planting, though more moisture was needed to proceed. Livestock conditions were stable but impacted by reduced forage quality and water shortages, leading some producers to sell cattle. Overall, while cooler temperatures were a welcomed change, the area still faced severe dry conditions and the need for more substantial rainfall. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Sept 5, 2024

Conditions remained very dry in the Panhandle. Overall, soil moisture levels were reported from adequate to very short. The corn and grain sorghum harvests continued, and forage sorghum continued to be chopped as fields dried to suitable moisture contents. The cotton harvest was getting underway as harvest aid applications were applied to most fields within the past few weeks. Upper-canopy bolls had opened nicely given the number of sunny, relatively warm days available to reach final maturity. There were no major wind or storm events that would have degraded the cotton fiber. Any additional rainfall would help recently emerged small grain and winter cover crops. Supplemental feeding of cows continued. Pasture and rangeland conditions were very poor to fair, with overall crop conditions reported as poor to good. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Oct 29, 2024 Warm temperatures and dry conditions continued across the Panhandle. The harvest of feed grain and forage crops continued. Oilseed crops, particularly cotton, were reaching their final stages of maturity. Many cotton fields received harvest aids. The emergence and establishment of fall-planted small grain crops appeared to be progressing well; however, additional precipitation will be necessary to support their early growth and development. Pasture conditions continued to decline, with overall soil moisture levels that ranged from very short to adequate. Pasture and rangeland conditions varied from very poor to fair, while overall crop conditions ranged from poor to good. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Oct 16, 2024 Some Panhandle counties received scattered showers, while others received measurable rainfall. Conditions overall were favorable for the final phases of maturity for most crops. Harvesting of feed grains got underway and continued in fields targeted for forage-silage. Corn harvest continued. Cotton harvest was expected to begin after the first killing frost, which typically takes place around Oct. 10. Pastures started to show signs of dormancy with little grazing quality. Overall soil moisture was very short to adequate. Pasture and rangeland conditions were very poor to fair and crops were poor to good. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Oct 1, 2024 Dry weather and heat continued in the Panhandle. Wheat planting progressed slowly, with most producers waiting for moisture. The corn harvest was more active, and the soybean and sorghum harvests started. Rangeland and pastures went dormant, and late haying continued. Overall soil moisture was very short to short. Pasture and rangeland conditions were very poor to fair, and overall crop conditions were poor to good. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Sept 17, 2024 The Panhandle experienced extreme heat and drought conditions. Livestock producers supplemented with hay and protein. Wheat planting began in irrigated circles intended for fall pasture. The corn crop started to dry down in many early planted fields, with harvest expected to begin soon. Rangeland was going dormant. Overall soil moisture ranged from very short to short, and pasture and range conditions were very poor to fair. Overall, crop conditions were poor to good. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Sept 5, 2024

Canyon Lake was nearly 27 feet low, and 23 boat ramps were no longer in use due to low water levels. Boat ramp #18 will close on Nov. 1 because it has just 14 feet of ramp with a steep drop at the end, making it too dangerous to use. The flow of the Guadalupe River into Canyon Lake was very weak. KABB-TV FOX 29 San Antonio (Texas), Oct 31, 2024

Dry weather in Illinois hastened the harvest, but slowed fieldwork. The dry ground was too hard for some tillage tools. Vertical drilling was not possible because the machine would not go into the ground. Some farmers with newer rippers with rolling baskets were able to get through the field. Those with older tools were leaving enormous clods of dirt. Field fires have also been a problem as the strong winds and low humidity have fueled fires across the state. Heat and drought have also delayed applications of anhydrous ammonia. The soil also needs to be somewhat moist to capture the ammonia or it is wasted. Farm Week Now (Bloomington, Ill.), Oct 31, 2024

The soybean harvest was about four weeks ahead. In Langlade, Marinette, Oconto and Shawano counties, many farms were done harvesting at a time when farmers would typically begin to harvest. Dry weather has hurt crop quality. While soybeans are ideally sold at 14% moisture, farmers were finding the beans at 10% or lower. Soybeans were also smaller than normal. Cover crops have been planted since the harvest was completed earlier than usual, but the lack of moisture in the soil has slowed germination. In drought-affected corn fields, there were more broken stalks and fallen cobs, lowering potential yields. Wisconsin Public Radio (Madison), Oct 24, 2024

Rainfall has been scarce in New Jersey for much of the year. At present, farmers need moisture so they can plant cover crops, winter wheat and other crops. The crops most affected by the drought were corn, soybeans and cranberries. The berries require a lot of water, but crop losses ranged from 30% to 80%. KYW-AM 1060 Philadelphia (Pa.), Oct 31, 2024

Drought was intensifying in Oklahoma with 34 counties under burn bans. In Cotton County, a wheat grower dusted in his crop in early September. The hot weather in September and October stressed the small plants and some were dying. Stocker cattle would normally graze on the young wheat, but were being fed stockpiled forages and grasses instead. Other area cow/calf operators were also out of forage pasture for the year and were feeding stockpiled hay. The little existing grass that had not yet gone dormant was drought-stressed and could be high in nitrates, which are harmful to cattle health. Water sources need to be monitored for quality when drought dries up ponds. Producers were not restocking their cattle herds, and the Oklahoma cattle herd has been low over the past three years. Pastures and other resources have not yet recovered from previous drought as a new episode of drought gripped the state. Cattle numbers were so low that the dry conditions were not forcing ranchers to sell any additional cattle. Farm Progress (St. Charles, Ill.), Oct 31, 2024

The 200-year-old Great Crossings Bridge at Youghiogheny River Lake in Somerset County has reemerged as drought lowered the water level. The bridge is normally 50 feet underwater. The three arches of the Great Crossings Bridge were last visible in 1998. WTAE-TV (Pittsburg, Pa.), Oct 31, 2024

A cattle producer in Hope Hull will have to feed hay earlier than normal as drought diminished pasture growth. Forage production has been less than half of normal during the latter part of the growing season. Dry conditions may necessitate that he begins irrigating, which will add to the cost of producing his crops. WSFA (Montgomery, Ala.), Oct 30, 2024

Soybeans in Bucks County were not worth harvesting as conditions have been very dry since the start of July. Soybean and corn yields were less than half of normal. WTXF-TV FOX 29 Philadelphia (Pa.), Oct 28, 2024

Dry conditions put the crop harvest at least two weeks ahead of schedule in Chippewa, Dunn and Eau Claire counties. The corn harvest was about 12 days ahead of schedule, per the USDA’s crop progress report. Dry weather has hurt crop quality. While soybeans are ideally sold at 14% moisture, farmers were finding the beans at 10% or lower. Soybeans were also smaller than normal. Cover crops have been planted since the harvest was completed earlier than usual, but the lack of moisture in the soil has slowed germination. In drought-affected corn fields, there were more broken stalks and fallen cobs, lowering potential yields Wisconsin Public Radio (Madison), Oct 24, 2024

Drought conditions continued for most South Plains counties. Some very brief showers were received in the southeastern part of the district this past weekend. Farmers continued to defoliate cotton and strip fields that were ready. Winter wheat was still being planted, but much of it had not emerged due to the very dry conditions. Cattle were in good condition. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Oct 29, 2024 Subsoil and topsoil moisture levels were declining in most areas of the South Plains due to a lack of recent rainfall. High temperatures were in the low 90s, and lows ranged from the mid-60s to low-70s. Wheat planting continued. Cotton was progressing and bolls were opening. Many irrigated cotton farmers started to apply defoliants to their fields. Some dryland fields could be defoliated and harvested, but yield returns were estimated to be less than a bale per acre. Armyworms continued to be a problem with several wheat fields experiencing major infestations. Pumpkins were still being harvested, and peanuts were nearing the end with producers expected to begin digging soon. Cattle were in good condition. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Oct 1, 2024

Dry, unseasonably hot conditions persisted in the Coastal Bend, with no rain for 60 days and temperatures still in the 90s. Soil moisture remained low, limiting fall fieldwork and bedding to lighter soils. Grain producers arranged fertilizer and seed for the new year, but winter pasture planting was minimal so far due to high costs and lack of moisture. Pastures were dormant and drying out, with some producers feeding hay to livestock. Hay remained plentiful, but supplemental feeding increased significantly in heavily stocked areas. Cattle remained in good condition, while numbers at area sale barns remained high. The pecan harvest started. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Oct 29, 2024 Weather conditions remained hot and dry in the Coastal Bend, with no rain and daily temperatures reaching the 90s. Soil moisture continued to decline, which put fieldwork on hold in some areas. Hay baling continued, but yields were lower due to the ongoing dry spell. Minimal winter pasture was planted, and many producers’ pastures were stressed with deteriorating grasses and lower-quality forage. Despite the lack of green grass, livestock remained in good condition. Cattle prices remained steady, and fall cattle work continued. The pecan harvest was minimal, and some native bottoms went unharvested due to light yields. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Oct 16, 2024 Field preparations continued for most operations in the Coastal Bend. There were a few wet spots, but for the most part soil moisture conditions were drier than desired. Rangeland and pasture conditions remained good for most operations, but dry conditions were impacting growth. Armyworms showed up in some fields and pastures. Fall tillage was underway for corn fields. Acres planted for winter pasture were expected to be low this year due to an abundance of hay. Livestock continued to do well where grass was available and forage management was good. Fall cattle working continued, with large numbers being sold at area sale barns. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Oct 1, 2024

Drought conditions affected Central Texas, and conditions were declining. Temperatures were cooler in the morning but warmed up to near- or record-high temperatures. Most pastures were in fair condition but were starting to show signs of stress. Stock tanks continued to dry down. The weather was favorable for harvesting peanuts, pecans, hay and cotton, which were close to wrapping up, but conditions were not good for dryland small grain crops. Most small grains planting stopped until it rains, and most planted fields failed to emerge, or emerged fields were dying off. The cattle, sheep and goat markets looked good. Livestock were in good condition despite beginning to run out of pasture. Stockpiled forages and supplements were given to livestock. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Oct 29, 2024 Hay was either baled or cut for the last crop in Central Texas. The grass and crops were not suffering yet, but stock tanks were dropping, and water quality deteriorated. Corn stunt disease was found in some fields grown for silage. Winter wheat planting and field preparations continued. Armyworms were spotted, prompting treatment efforts, and fly numbers remained an issue for livestock. Livestock diets were being supplemented. Feral hogs continued to cause property damage, leading to trapping efforts in some areas. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Oct 16, 2024 Half of Central Texas experienced excellent rain that greened up pastures, filled lakes and tanks, and generally improved conditions. The other half faced dry conditions and increasing drought. The entire district did experience a slight drop in temperatures. Some fields were too wet to plow, and pastures showed an increase in invasive weeds. The pecan and peanut harvests began, and winter grain planting started. The cotton harvest continued, and fall armyworms were noticed in hay fields. Livestock thrived on pastures in areas that received rain, with cattle remaining in good body condition. Producers began feeding hay and supplementing in areas where pasture conditions were declining. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Oct 1, 2024

Unseasonably hot and dry conditions persisted in the Rolling Plains. Wheat planting slowed. Some farmers were still trying to dry plant with hopes of rain in the coming week, and others held off for planting after rain. Cotton fields not declared as failed were expected to yield very poorly. Rain was needed to replenish livestock drinking sources and help grass growth. Cattle prices were favorable for producers who continued to cull their herds. High winds and dry vegetation had all counties concerned about wildfires breaking out. Most of the district remained under a burn ban, with red flag warnings due to the dry conditions. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Oct 29, 2024 The Rolling Plains remained dry and unseasonably warm. Wheat planting slowed dramatically, and some dry-sewn areas had to be replanted due to drought conditions. Armyworms were reported in numerous counties. Producers reported increased fly numbers in cattle pastures and continued issues with grasshoppers. Livestock remained in decent condition, but a heavy and prolonged rain was needed to fill drinking water sources going into the fall and winter months. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Oct 16, 2024 The Rolling Plains faced hot and dry weather that significantly impacted local vegetation and crops. Oak trees were suffering from dieback and low acorn production, while pecans were small and sparse. Wheat struggled due to insufficient water, although plantings increased after some recent rains. Pests like grasshoppers and armyworms were a concern. The cotton crop declined due to the lack of rain. Livestock were receiving feed supplementation. Early planted wheat was doing well in some areas. Overall conditions remained extremely dry, with some wheat being replanted due to washout. Hay fields benefited from cooler temperatures and recent rain. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Oct 1, 2024 Extremely unfavorable conditions persisted across the Rolling Plains as farmers and ranchers endured the unrelenting heat and lack of rain. Cultivated crops were all showing signs of stress or nearing failure. Grasses in both pastures and roadsides were completely dried up, and the risk of wildfires was a constant danger. Some producers opted to ship or sell cattle due to diminishing pasture grazing. Grasshoppers remained across the area, even with little for them to consume. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Sept 5, 2024

Drought conditions persisted in the district with burn bans issued in most areas. Ponds and creeks continued to dry up. Producers had mostly decided to hold off on planting winter pastures until rain arrived. Hay production wrapped up for the year. Livestock were in fair to good condition, with some supplementation taking place. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Oct 29, 2024 Several East Texas counties were put under burn bans. Little to no rainfall worsened the drought conditions. Where possible, producers continued hay production. Pasture and rangeland conditions were fair. Subsoil and topsoil conditions were short, and grass was turning brown. Pond, lake and creek water levels dropped. Some producers were holding off on planting winter pastures. Livestock were in fair to good condition, with some feed supplementation occurring. Wild pig damage continued. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Oct 16, 2024 East Texas experienced a few showers and cooler temperatures but needed moisture. Pasture and rangeland conditions were fair to good. Subsoil and topsoil conditions were adequate to short. Hay production slowed, and producers began to prepare for planting winter pastures. Cattle market prices were lower, and livestock were in fair to good condition. Armyworm infestations remained a significant problem for forage producers. Anderson County reported severe damage by feral hogs. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Oct 1, 2024 Several counties in East Texas received much needed rainfall, however, much more will be needed to replenish soil moisture. Pasture and rangeland conditions were fair to good. Subsoil and topsoil conditions were short to adequate. Hay production has slowed but continued. Livestock were in fair to good condition. The cattle market was steady to higher in most classes. Producers continued the fight against armyworm infestations. Feral hogs were moving and have increased their destruction. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Sept 5, 2024