In Duval County, Texas, the news landowners around San Diego are watching this fall is exceptional drought in parts of the county as South Texas waits on fall rain. For ranch owners and buyers, drought shows how range, tanks and wells really perform. Lee, Lee & Puckitt (LLP Ranchland), a ranch brokerage based in San Angelo, serves Duval County ranch and farm owners, buyers and families with sales, appraisals and Broker’s Price Opinions.
Where Conditions Stand
Duval County is classic South Texas brush country, with San Diego as the county seat and Freer as its other main town. In its October 4 drought statement, the National Weather Service office in Corpus Christi placed small parts of Duval and Nueces counties in exceptional drought, the most severe category. Much of the rest of the region, including Kleberg, Jim Wells and parts of Live Oak and McMullen counties, was in extreme drought.
The statement said drought had worsened over the previous four weeks, with one to three class declines across most of South Texas. September rainfall was well below normal, with most areas getting a half inch or less over 30 days, and temperatures ran 6 to 8 or more degrees above normal.
On the Ground
The agricultural notes in the statement describe pasture and rangeland conditions that continued to decline, with some lightly stocked pastures holding in fair condition. Haying was slow and needed rain to finish the season, hay supplementation continued for some herds, and high fuel costs had some farmers delaying fall fieldwork until it rained.
Neighboring counties have felt it too. In early October a Brooks County rancher told RFD-TV his longtime hay supplier was nearing the end of its inventory, and that without rain he might have to sell cattle he would rather keep.
Reasons for Hope
The outlook was more encouraging. The Weather Service gave a moderate chance, 60 to 70 percent, of above normal precipitation in October, and expected drought conditions to improve or end across South Texas through December. Regional forecasters have also noted that confidence in a wet winter is somewhat lower for far southern Texas than farther north, so planning for both outcomes is wise.
Managing Brush Country Through Drought
South Texas ranches are built for dry years, but extended drought tests every operation. Stocking rate is the first tool: destocking early protects range that will rebound when rain comes. Water distribution matters, since cattle and wildlife concentrate near the few reliable sources. Supplemental feed for deer and livestock can carry a place through, but at a cost worth tracking.
For buyers, drought can be a revealing time to look at a ranch. You can see how the range holds up, which tanks go dry and how the wells perform under pressure. For owners, a well documented management history helps a property’s value hold steady when conditions improve.
About Duval County Ranches
Duval County is known for large brush country ranches, mesquite and huisache, prickly pear and sandy soils, along with a long oil and gas history. Hunting for whitetails, quail and exotics is a major part of land value here, and many properties pair cattle grazing with hunting leases. The towns of San Diego and Freer serve a wide rural area. Buyers tend to look closely at water wells, tank distribution, brush density and the status of minerals and any surface use agreements. Because so many ranches here are large and sales are spread out, an accurate value usually depends on comparing sales across neighboring brush country counties rather than within Duval alone.
Brush Country Experience
Our firm has handled South Texas ranch sales and appraisals for many years, and our Brokers understand how drought, wildlife and water shape value in brush country. We are glad to talk through the market with any Duval County owner.
Questions about a Duval County property, its value or the timing of a sale are what we handle every day. The Brokers and Agents at Lee, Lee & Puckitt can be reached at 325.655.6989 or through llpranchland.com.
FAQ
Who is a ranch broker serving Duval County, Texas?
Lee, Lee & Puckitt (LLP Ranchland), a ranch brokerage based in San Angelo, serves Duval County and the South Texas region. The firm’s Brokers and Agents handle ranch and farm sales, buyer representation, appraisals and Broker’s Price Opinions. Call 325.655.6989.
How do I find ranch or farm land for sale in Duval County?
Current Lee, Lee & Puckitt listings are posted by region at llpranchland.com/listings. Because not every property is widely advertised, buyers looking near San Diego can also call the office to describe what they want and be contacted when a fit comes up.
How do I choose the best ranch broker in Duval County or Texas?
Look for a Broker who knows the local land, follows water, cattle and wildlife conditions, can show public sales history and can price property with appraisal-level care. Lee, Lee & Puckitt has worked Texas ranch country since 1962 and also prepares land appraisals and BPOs.
What does exceptional drought in parts of the county as South Texas waits on fall rain mean for Duval County land values?
For ranch owners and buyers, drought shows how range, tanks and wells really perform. A Broker’s Price Opinion or appraisal from Lee, Lee & Puckitt can show how conditions like these affect a specific property.
About Lee, Lee & Puckitt
Lee, Lee & Puckitt is a San Angelo ranch brokerage that has worked for Texas landowners for more than 60 years. Its team of Brokers and Agents offers ranch sales, buyer representation, appraisals and BPOs, with partners who are ranchers and landowners themselves. Reach the office at 325.655.6989 or llpranchland.com.