More than 99 percent of the state was in some level of drought by the end of July, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.

More than 90 percent of the state was in an extreme drought, according to the monitor. Daytime high temperatures continued to challenge or beat historical records in many parts of the state.

With the exception of small pockets where there has been rain, producers continued to struggle with dropping irrigation well and stock-water tank levels, desiccated pastures and hay shortages, according to reports from Texas AgriLife Extension Service personnel.

“Different week, same song,” said Rick Auckerman, AgriLife Extension agent for Deaf Smith County, west of Amarillo. “Producers are trying to run water on as many crops as possible, but the cotton is needing more water now, too.

“The corn crop is in dire need of water and many producers are abandoning parts or whole fields of corn production in hopes to salvage what they can.”

Ryan Martin, AgriLife Extension agent for Motley County, east of Lubbock, said some farmers in his area are beginning to halt watering cotton because of worries they’ll not get back in the market the money they’ve already expended on the crop.

“All range and pastures are in extremely bad condition,” said Lyle Zoeller, AgriLife Extension agent for Coryell County, west of Waco. “All classes of livestock were being fed heavily. Many cows are going to local market, as well as most calves 300 pounds and over.

“There is no hay available in the area; most is coming from out of state. Low-water sources are now forcing sales of cattle.”

West Central

The region remained extremely dry with triple-digit temperatures. The agricultural situation continued to worsen. Irrigated cotton was in fair condition. All other crops failed. Most producers were out of grazing and water for livestock. Water wells were drying up. Livestock producers were selling large numbers of cows.

North

No rain and temperatures 100 degrees and above took a toll on pastures and hay meadows. Corn that was not cut for silage was yielding 40 to 70 bushels per acre. Some grain sorghum was harvested, but yield reports weren’t in. About 95 percent of grain sorghum was being baled as hay. Early planted soybeans were expected to yield 10 to 12 bushels per acre. Later planted soybeans were either harvested for hay or plowed under. With no relief from the heat in sight or any rain forecast, there was not any further forage production expected. Limited supplies of hay were fast dwindling and quickly sold. Livestock were suffering. Water for livestock was becoming a major concern as stock-pond levels dropped. Producers continued to sell livestock. The Van Zandt County Auction sold 900 head on a July 23, high for single day in July. Cotton was in poor to fair condition. Reports noted an increase in grasshopper and feral hog activity.

Southeast

Madison County was losing trees to the drought every day. Jefferson County got from about a half-inch to 8 inches of rain, improving crops and pastures. Daytime high temperatures were in the upper 90s, with nighttime lows in the upper 70s. Some rain last week helped pastures and crops some. Despite the rains, ponds were still at an all-time low. Livestock remained in good condition because producers continued to provide supplemental feed and reduced herd sizes.

East

Temperatures above 100 degrees and little to no rain made pasture conditions very poor. Hay production halted in most areas. Producers struggled to find hay and water for cattle. Many continued to cull herds or sell out completely. As bad as conditions were, livestock that were given supplemental feed remained in fair to good condition. Grasshopper reports continued to come in.