By Bryan Black, Veronica Obregon
Austin, TX – Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples today issued the following statement in response to the news from State Climatologist Dr. John Nielsen-Gammon that Texas is suffering through the "most severe one-year drought on record" and the hottest July in the history of the Lone Star State.
"Dr. Nielsen-Gammon's work confirms the harsh realities," Commissioner Staples said. "The extreme heat and unprecedented dry weather are crippling agricultural operations in Texas upon which all Americans rely for food, fuel, clothing and other daily necessities.
"This historic drought has depleted water resources, leaving our state's farmers and ranchers in a state of dire need. The damage to our economy is already measured in billions of dollars and continues to mount.
"I cannot stress enough the critical need for forage to sustain the largest cattle herd in the nation. The suffering and desperate need for relief grows with the rising temperatures and record-breaking heat that continue to scorch Texas with each passing day."
To read the state climatologist report, click here.
For information on drought assistance, go to TexasAgriculture.gov to download the Drought Resource Information Packet (DRIP). For details about donating, selling or locating hay or forage supplies, visit the Texas Department of Agriculture's Hay Hotline webpage.