Texas Drought Takes Toll on Farmers

Searing Heat, Record Dearth of Rain Have Caused $3.6B in Economic Damage, Drawn Out Snakes

(CBS)  It's been a tough summer in the Lone Star State. In Austin, nearly every day this month has seen triple-digit temperatures.

But the damage is really being done outside the cities, with a drought that could mean near-record losses for people who make their living off the land, as CBS News correspondent Don Teague reports.

On a 15,000-acre ranch in central Texas, Clint Buckland has to sell 600 cows because he can't feed them.

"Looks like we've got grass but it's dead and dry," Buckland said.

The problem? The most severe drought this part of Texas has ever seen means grazing pastures have dried up.

Throughout central Texas, lake levels have fallen as much as 30 feet below normal, fields are cracking, and in some places half the cotton, corn and sorghum crops have withered away. Texas officials estimate losses are already at $3.6 billion and rising.

Texas A&M livestock expert David Anderson says Texas cattle ranchers alone have suffered nearly $1 billion in losses this year.

"The effects of drought are long lasting. When we don't get pasture growth this year it affects the cows' nutrition, it affects their ability to conceive and have calves next year," Anderson said.

Over the past two months, Austin has sweltered through 19 days above 100 degree. And rainfall is 20 inches below normal.

"I don't know how many days of 100 degree heat we've add, but with little or no rainfall it's been a one-two punch," said farmer Curt Mowery.

Farmers and cattle ranchers are the not the only ones suffering form the drought. All across the bone-dry region, people are affected - suffering in some ways you might not expect.

Snakes are on the move, looking for shade and water, but running into humans. Snake bites are above normal this year near Austin and San Antonio. There are burn bans in most Texas counties. And near Austin, for the first time in 30 years a floating restaurant has had to close its doors.

Back at the Circle X-Ranch, Clint Buckland is also hoping the weather changes soon and wondering how many more cattle he'll have to sell before the rains return.

[intennessee]

We are in middle Tennessee - have plenty of rolled grass hay last year's and this year's cuttings. If you have a way to haul it please get in touch.

[ladyrancher]

OK Ranchers, I have the hay and a truck to start hauling. Get in touch and let me know what you need.

[pensacola8-2009]

This is an El Nino year, and that means drought in Texas, but the good news, is there will be no hurricanes this summer.

Somebody hasn't gotten the word to those Texans to minimize their economic risk on their agriculture. Livestock will also starve without good fields to graze and feed.

Mobile, Alabama will see 40+ inches of rain in January-February next year.

Most of the rain for Texas during this weather pattern comes from Pacific weather systems that cross over Mexico and dumps huge amounts of rain in October. Location, location, location.

[GSmythe]

I was in Central Texas last week. It is as dry as the story says. The lake levels are so low that the last open boat ramp on Lake Travis was on a day-to-day judgement as to when it would have to be closed. My ranching friends have not had to reduce their herds yet, but their herds are not up to planned size either.

[riob678]

Mr. Buckland says he will have to sell 600 cows because he can't feed them. Presumably, these cows will go to slaughter houses. If other ranchers are forced to do the same with their cattle, it means an increased supply of beef at the supermarket. Therefore, if demand for beef remains reasonably steady, prices should decline. Everyone who thinks beef prices will decline raise your hand, and fire up the charcoal grill.

[cs4466]

Looks like God is mad at Texas. After all He has plenty to be mad about!

[Benton09]

Yeah, that's it brilliant!

[pensacola8-2009]

He is only displeased at the Old Testament followers who don't forgive or trust again, and still others, who believe he punishes the Earth.

Oh yeah....you are right!! He is mad at Texas!!

[wildview]

The point is it is the worst it has been in decades. Also although it is not stated here the economic situation right now has got to be making this harder to deal with than in previous years when the economy was booming.

[tautomer]

So which should we look at? The Low temperature/ High Rainfall anomaly in the PAcific NW, Midwest and Northeast or the High Temp / Low Rainfall anomaly in the South?

The low temp/ high rainfall anomaly appears to cover a wider area.