Refugio County reports losses

From Staff Reports

Refugio County suffered "great agricultural loss" from Hurricane Claudette, according to Michael Mauldin, county Extension agent.

The county's grain crop was expected to have high yields at harvest, but just as harvest was beginning, the hurricane struck.

Now, the grain crop is heavily damaged and a large percentage won't be harvested, according to Mauldin.

The agent reported all the grain is lying on the ground in the Austwell and Tivoli areas, and in other areas of the county the ground is standing in inches of water.

Mauldin also reported the county's cotton crop is now "iffy" since the bolls were not open yet. The cotton is now wind-swept and standing in water. This will make the harvest difficult and a reduction in the cotton's quality is expected.