Drought in Sutton, Texas

U.S. Drought Monitor placed the extreme southeastern portion of Sutton County in a severe drought category by November 17.

The month of November featured an extended period of dry weather, above normal temperatures and well below normal rainfall. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, the drought became severe over a large part of West Central Texas by the middle of November, especially south of Interstate 20. The drought was exceptional in portions of McCulloch and Mason Counties.

According to the Agrlife Texas Crop and Weather Report, the area from Barnhart to San Saba and north across I20, needed moisture. Wheat and oat fields were progressing slowly. Stock tank levels remained very low. Cotton harvest continued with below average yields reported. Pecan harvest was mixed with some reporting low yields and others reporting fair to good yields. Feeder cattle prices were mostly steady at local auctions with steer prices up $10-15 per hundredweight.

South of Barnhart to San Saba across I10, Trace amounts of rain were reported, but more rain was needed. Spring wheat planting began with oats and rye coming along nicely. Livestock conditions were good with supplemental feeding. Wildlife were in fair condition.