Local Agriculture
As the summer of 2000 draws to a close, Travis County farmers and ranchers are shaking their heads in disbelief. For the fourth out of the past five years, drought conditions have created havoc in the countryside. At the end of August, more than 30 days of 100 (or more) degree temperatures have baked the parched soils that have not received significant rain since mid June. Many varieties of trees have shed their leaves as if fall had arrived. Observers wonder whether the premature leaf drop is a defense designed by nature to stop transpiration and save the trees or if it indicates the death of the trees.
THE SORGHUM GRAIN HARVEST is complete in Travis County. Rains were timely and adequate for most producers and an average to good crop was harvested. In a few areas, the rains were not as generous and the grain bins on the combines revealed a less than satisfactory yield. As farmers delivered their grain to the markets they experienced remarkably low prices. An oversupply of grain has seriously depressed the prices paid to farmers to below the cost of production.
CORN HARVESTING has been almost completed in Travis County. Corn is more drought and heat sensitive than grain sorghum and is more prone to show the effects of poor weather conditions. As a result, corn yields have proven to been only fair to average. Corn fields that either did not receive adequate rainfall or experienced heat or drought at critical stages had poor production. Those fields that received more precipitation or were at a different stage were more bountiful. Corn producers had the same financial experiences as those delivering grain sorghum to the marketplace: disastrous prices. Excellent weather conditions with forecasts of huge corn crops in the Midwest created an expectation of an oversupply that allowed buyers to lower their bids for the local crop.
COTTON HARVEST is underway in the area. Although cotton is noted for its tolerance for drought conditions, weather conditions in 2000 have proven to be a maximum test. Those crops planted early and blessed with a little more than average rainfall will produce an acceptable yield. Others planted a bit later, or not receiving as much rainfall, will not do as well and some may not even be harvested. Prices for cotton repeat the refrain from the grains; prices considerably below those received in prior years.
WHEAT PRODUCERS are concerned that weather conditions closely resemble the fall of 1999 when dry weather prevented timely planting and growth of fall seeded crops. Some wheat fields that should have been growing in October did not germinate until January and the resulting yields reflected the less than ideal growing conditions. Low wheat production was coupled with dismal prices for the grain, matching the economic conditions of the other three major crops of the area.
Congress has recognized the severe squeeze between the cost of production and the price received for crops. As a result it has appropriated supplemental funding to provide producers of the above-mentioned crops a small additional payment to compensate for the unrealistically low prices and to allow farmers to continue in agriculture.
CATTLE PRODUCERS have enjoyed a much more favorable return for their efforts after a number of years of severely depressed prices. Calf prices have been very satisfactory through the spring and summer, while replacement cow prices have not kept pace as producers have been unwilling to expand their herds until weather conditions improve. An oversupply of cattle leaving the feedlots has depressed prices cattlemen are receiving for their finished cattle and has resulted in lower prices being offered for calves going into feedlots. In addition, the lack of prospects for winter grazing of wheat is creating caution among stocker operators and they are not making their normal purchases. Forage conditions are extremely poor, stored hay is not plentiful, and no current prospects for winter grazing combine to create a distressing scenario for all livestock producers.
HAY PRODUCERS began the season with a great deal of optimism; however, by July the high temperatures coupled with the absence of rainfall greatly reduced the amount of forage available. Hay harvesting, barring substantial rains that arrive quickly, has ended for the year. In many cases the annual forages planted for hay production have died as a result of the weather conditions. Perennial grasses such as Coastal Bermuda could produce some additional hay if conditions suddenly became ideal. Producers with stocks of hay should be able to sell their supply for a premium, although the minimal level of production means that they will have a difficult time recouping their expenses.
IN SUMMARY, agricultural producers in Travis County are continuing to face very trying conditions. Farmers and ranchers are noted for their ongoing optimism, the expectation that conditions will be better tomorrow, or at least next week, or next month, and certainly next year. After battling poor climatic conditions and inadequate prices for their production for several years, producers are struggling to find the inner strength to continue as they await the times when their optimism will be rewarded.
