How the recent rainfall is impacting crops
WACO, Texas (FOX 44) — While many Central Texans may prefer clear skies and sunshine, the recent stretch of rainfall is being welcomed by farmers across the region.
After a prolonged period of heat, steady rain has helped replenish soil moisture and revive pastures that had been without adequate water for months.
'We were so dry June to about the 1st of April this year, where we were really, really behind,' said Shane McLellan, an extension agent for agriculture in McLennan County. 'We were about half of what our normal rainfall is for that same time period, and now we're past that. We're catching up on some missed rain.'
According to McLellan, the timing of the recent rainfall has also worked in farmers' favor.
'It's coming at a time of year when it's probably the least destructive—excessive rainfall anyway,' he said.
For retired farmer and rancher Michael Moon, monitoring rainfall is still part of his daily routine. Moon uses a digital mapping tool to track precipitation across seven different farms and pastures.
'It gives me up-to-date and real-time information on the amount of rain we're getting at each farm.'
Moon said the rain has been mostly beneficial, with only minor concerns about standing water in low-lying areas.
'The only thing that I can see that it might hurt is some low ground that might stand water,' Moon said. 'But for the most part, it's going to be very good.'
While this rainfall may cause short-term inconvenience for some, it's proving to be a much-needed resource for farmers hoping to rebound from last year's dry spell and prepare for a stronger growing season.
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