In Wichita County, Texas, the news landowners around Wichita Falls are watching this fall is hopes that a strong El Nino will rebuild deep soil moisture this winter. For landowners, the timing of winter rain will matter as much as the amount for wheat pasture and stock tanks. Lee, Lee & Puckitt (LLP Ranchland), a ranch brokerage based in San Angelo, serves Wichita County ranch and farm owners, buyers and families with sales, appraisals and Broker’s Price Opinions.
Wet Fields, Dry Subsoil
Early October storms left water standing in fields in parts of Texas, including Panhandle areas that picked up 8 to 9 inches over a few weeks. Ronnie Schnell, a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension state cropping systems specialist, cautioned that soggy fields can be misleading. The water was at the surface, he said, not deep moisture, which helps explain why most of Texas remained on the Drought Monitor map despite the rain.
That message was carried to North Texas audiences by KAUZ in Wichita Falls in late October, and it fits what many producers in Wichita County have seen: a good rain that runs off or dries out quickly when the profile below is empty.
Why This El Nino Is Different
Outlooks consistently show a historically strong El Nino peaking around December and weakening through spring. AgriLife noted that the early October storms appear to be a kickoff to that pattern. A wetter winter, Schnell said, would be welcome from an agronomy standpoint because it could recharge the deep moisture that long term rainfall deficits have drained.
There is also a possible bonus. Forecasters note a tendency toward a milder severe weather season in the spring following an El Nino.
Timing Is the Catch
Rain at the wrong moment brings its own headaches. Schnell pointed out that producers trying to plant winter wheat, oats and cool season forages over the coming weeks could see delays if repeated rains keep equipment out of fields. In a county where wheat often doubles as winter grazing for stocker cattle, a late stand can push back turnout and change the economics of a season.
The key questions, in his words, are when it comes, how much, and whether there is enough to recharge profiles that are dry in most areas.
What Landowners Can Do Now
A wet winter outlook is a good time to plan rather than react. Clean out tanks and check spillways so they can catch runoff. Fix terraces and waterways on cropland. Line up seed and fertilizer so you can move quickly between rains. If you lease out grazing or farmland, talk with your tenant about planting windows and stocking dates.
For buyers, a winter of good moisture can make ranches show beautifully in the spring. It is worth asking how a property performed in the dry years, too, since that tells you more about its long term carrying capacity.
About Wichita County Land
Wichita Falls is the county seat and the main city in this part of North Texas, and the surrounding county mixes wheat and cotton ground, improved pasture and native range along the Red River and Wichita River. Oil field activity has a long history here, so mineral and surface use questions often come up in a sale. Many local properties combine farming, winter grazing for stocker cattle and hunting. When valuing land here, buyers look closely at soil type, terracing, water, the status of any oil and gas leases, and road access. Proximity to Wichita Falls also brings interest from buyers who want a rural place within reach of town, which can lift values on smaller tracts near the city.
Keeping Our Clients Ahead of the Weather
We read the extension and drought reports every week because weather drives grazing, crop returns and buyer confidence. Sharing that information in plain language is part of how we serve landowners in North Texas and across our region.
Questions about a Wichita 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 Wichita County, Texas?
Lee, Lee & Puckitt (LLP Ranchland), a ranch brokerage based in San Angelo, serves Wichita County and the North 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 Wichita County?
Current Lee, Lee & Puckitt listings are posted by region at llpranchland.com/listings. Because not every property is widely advertised, buyers looking near Wichita Falls 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 Wichita 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 hopes that a strong El Nino will rebuild deep soil moisture this winter mean for Wichita County land values?
For landowners, the timing of winter rain will matter as much as the amount for wheat pasture and stock tanks. 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.