Extension agent Jerry Gray predicts 2009 will be recorded as one of the worst droughts in Refugio County’s history.

“We’re at a critical stage and we’ve been in a critical state but now we’re really in bad shape,” Gray said. “There’s no grass and nothing left to bale.”

The growing season when ranchers traditionally stock pile hay for the winter never materialized when the rain stopped falling. Back in June, alternative feed sources were explored by producers as pastures began to dry up. Now the grass has disappeared in all but irrigated pastures.

“Nothing is able to grow in these conditions,” Gray said. “Any viable option is being looked at and we’re baling anything there is to bale just to limp along until we get some rain.”

Gray says feeding stubble has its drawbacks.

“We’ve been testing for high nitrate levels for the last month and a half,” Gray said.

But milo and corn stubble is not suitable for horses.

Where county pastures were once teaming with cattle, herds have been sold off.

“On average, it takes six or seven acres for every head of cattle,” said Commissioner Stanley Tuttle. “When you see a 155,000-acre ranch in the county ship all the cattle except for 150 head because that’s all the land can support, you know it’s bad.”

Although Tuttle said his cattle operation is small, every producer is feeling the additional production costs.

To make matters worse, the market is flooded with cattle as ranchers are forced to down size.

“It’s a double edged sword right now,” Tuttle said.

Larry Jochetz, who works at the Co-Op, said it will take a while for the county to feel the full impact of the drought.

“It’s a disaster all over South Texas,” Jochetz said. “Sales are down on everything – chemicals, herbicides, fertilizer, parts and filters. When you don’t make a crop, you don’t need to make repairs on equipment.”

In an average year, custom balers and haulers stay for several weeks during the harvest season. They require food and lodging and bring money to the businesses.

“I’m sure the whole county feels the impact,” Gray said.

This week, The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced that South Texas grassland owners will be given priority consideration in the Grassland Reserve Program, a $4.2 million conservation program in Texas.

“While GRP is open to anyone who owns grassland, we are giving priority consideration to drought areas so ranchers can protect their land resources through rental agreements or perpetual easements,” said Don Gohmert, state conservationist for the USDA Natural Conservation Service.

Landowners in any of the 78 counties designated as drought counties may sign up at the local NRCS office for GRP to be compensated to defer cattle grazing until the condition of grasslands improve.

“Areas in South Texas are the driest in the entire country based on USDA’s Drought Monitor,” said Juan Garcia, FSA state executive director. “By enrolling in GRP, landowners can defer grazing, protect their land, and receive compensation.”

Will Blackwell, of the local NRCS office, said his office will answer any questions ranchers have concerning the program and help them apply.

“The sign up deadline is Friday,” Blackwell said. “We’ll visit with each one individually.”

Blackwell said he’s been with the NRCS for 20 years and has never seen conditions this dry anywhere.

As bad as the drought is, Blackwell is confident that local ranchers are resilient and will bounce back.

“They will scale down to what they can take care of and get through this,” he said. “We’re here to assist land owners but what they need is rain and good prices for their commodities.”