Texas

Severe weather brings hail damage to Central Texas corn – Texas Farm Bureau

Published

2 years ago

May 21, 2024

Severe weather brings hail damage to Central Texas corn – Texas Farm Bureau

By Shelby Shank
Field Editor

Severe weather swept across the Lone Star State this month, bringing damaging hail and excessive rainfall that has taken a toll on some farmers’ crops.

Among those affected were Matthew Hoelscher, who raises cattle and grows hay, corn and wheat in Falls County.

“The corn was looking like it was on the right track,” Hoelscher said. “But we’ve had excessive amounts of rain the past few weeks. The corn was starting to show signs of some drowning out, but overall, I had a good, healthy crop that was potentially going to be something.”

But a storm in mid-May changed that for some of his crop.

“We had some hail that blew in, and it was kind of light for a minute. Then all of a sudden, we had some massive, heavy winds pick up,” Hoelscher said. “Then, the hail came down hard, and the storm lasted about five to 10 minutes. It was very intense and very, very windy.”

The hail was anywhere from the size of a marble to a ping-pong ball.

Hoelscher has about 100 acres with slight damage from the storm, but 60 acres that were severely destroyed.

“The hail just stripped the corn to pieces,” Hoelscher said. “Lost all the leaves, snapped the stalks off in half, and it just looks completely stripped.”

This growing season is vastly different from the past two years for Hoelscher.

While the rain was initially a welcome relief from the prolonged drought, the sheer volume has created its own set of challenges.

“I’ve quit counting how much rainfall we’ve been receiving, but just in May and mid-April, it’s been 15 to 20 inches,” Hoelscher said.

As the weather continues to fluctuate, Hoelscher, as well as farmers across the state, will keep adapting and finding ways to sustain their livelihoods through the challenges.

“It’s just how it is working with Mother Nature,” Hoelscher said.

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Texas

What comes after North Texas’ final World Cup match?

Published

6 hours ago

July 14, 2026

Press Room

What comes after North Texas’ final World Cup match?

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Texas

Talarico, Paxton campaigning in Texas this week. See events

Published

18 hours ago

July 13, 2026

Press Room

Talarico, Paxton campaigning in Texas this week. See events

The two candidates vying for the U.S. Senate seat in Texas are making stops across the Lone Star State this week.

Democrat James Talarico and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton will head to South Texas as the two go head-to-head in the Nov. 3 General Election to replace U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas. Cornyn lost his reelection bid to Paxton in the Republican Primary Election.

The campaign tour continues for Talarico after hosting townhalls in El Paso and Marfa as part of his “Frontera Tour,” while Paxton is holding a “Rally in the Valley” in McAllen.

Here’s where the candidates will be in Texas.

Paxton heads to McAllen for ‘Rally in the Valley’

Paxton is heading to McAllen for his “Rally in the Valley” event at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 14. He’ll be joined by National Border Security Council President Paul Perez, TX-28 Nominee Tano Tijerina, and TX-34 Nominee Eric Flores.

The all-ages event will take place at University Draft House Townlake McAllen, 100 West Business 83, and spots can be reserved at eventbrite.com.

Talarico to visit Del Rio, Eagle Pass, Laredo

Talarico continues his “Frontera” tour with a stop in Del Rio on Monday, July 14.

“Gather with your family, friends, and neighbors to hear from James about taking his fight against Big Money and corruption to Washington. Together, we can win back power for working people in a system that’s rigged for the ultra-wealthy,” the event page states, adding that the program will be short and voters can greet Talarico after.

Here are the stops on Talarico’s “Frontera” tour:

Monday, July 13: