For decades, farmers have tilled southeast Texas soil growing rice. But now, in the midst of one of the worst droughts in the state's history, those farmers may be up a creek with neither paddle, nor water.
The AP reports that officials in water-starved Texas might not release vital water from Austin-area lakes into canals and rivers that usually irrigate Texas' rice paddies.
Thousands of farmers in Texas' rice-producing region are likely to be affected by action taken in response to one of the most severe droughts in state history. With water management agencies implementing emergency plans never used before, the Lower Colorado River Authority is widely expected to announce March 1 that it will not release water to rice farmers in three counties.
Many Texas rice farmers also use their land for cattle ranching. Thing is, the drought already forced some farmers into selling their cattle, making their rice harvest especially crucial.
