This week marks the solemn anniversary of the worst drought in Texas history.  All across Texas, residents are facing tough choices: issues of water conservation, fire potential and prevention, potentially relocating and possibly changing professions.

Wildfires have claimed 3,795,280 acres, 2,742 homes and 4,000 other structures, be they business, barns, churches or schools, in addition to the lives of four brave firefighters. The current drought and subsequent wildfires are the worst in Texas history.

Drought conditions across the state as of October 2nd, 2011

Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI) is an index used to determining forest fire potential. The drought index is based on a daily water balance, where a drought factor is balanced with precipitation and soil moisture and is expressed in hundredths of an inch of soil moisture depletion. The maximum index (representing minimal soil moisture and considered absolutely dry conditions) is colored a bright orange-red and encompasses most of the state today.

A fire’s fury looms just east of Austin

The long term damage from this drought will with out a doubt handicap farmers, ranchers and pertinent agriculture markets for many years to come. With direct agriculture losses estimated to be roughly $150 million and related losses at $5 billion across the state; lifelong cattlemen are faced with a once unimaginable decision: selling off their herds to survive the drought, or holding on and facing bankruptcy.  Weather forecasters have predicted the drought will continue for a length of time ranging from 6 months to 10 years; a statement hard to hear when we so desperately need rain now – and a lot of it.

A year later, many find it difficult to maintain optimism and hope that we will come out of this soon as day after day brings further disappointment; but, god willing, we’ll emerge with “a leg to stand on” and have the ability to rebuild our industry and our state.

Ways you can help

-Kathleen