Texas agriculture officials say estimated crop and livestock losses from the blistering drought are a record $5.2 billion, and could go higher.
AgriLife Extension Service economist David Anderson said Wednesday livestock losses were $2.1 billion, and crop losses made up the remainder. The estimate dates to Nov. 1 and includes field surveys through Aug. 1. Anderson said there could be further losses once crops are harvested.
The previous record was $4.1 billion in 2006.
Texas has a long history with droughts. Since 1998, drought has cost Texas agriculture $13.1 billion.
Crops and rangeland across the state have been scorched from lack of rainfall and record triple-digit temperatures throughout parts of Texas. Most of the state has been in the two worst stages of drought since the beginning of May.
