Tropical Storm Don Bringing Hope to Texas Farmers

Texas farmers and ranchers are starting to see a glimmer of hope on the weather map in the form of tropical storm Don in the Gulf of Mexico. The storm is expected to make landfall Friday night near Corpus Christi and will bring much needed rain with it.

While it won't be a drought buster, NOAA predicts TS Don to produce total rain accumulations of 3 to 5 inches from the central Texas coast westward into south central Texas. Some areas in the storm's path could see 7 inches. Flooding and tornado threats should be limited, and the welcome rain will help to fill up ponds and lakes and recharge dwindling aquifers. The rain will come too late in the season to help any dryland crops, but it will help boost pastures short term, but without recurring moisture, many of the pastures are already done for the summer.

The timing of the rain, however, may not be good news to cotton growers along the coastal areas. Harvest in the area has begun and the rain could impact quality.

Overall, few farmers in Texas will complain about the prospect of much needed rains.