NASA · Space

Texas Drought Hits Cotton Farmers Hard

Severe drought and aquifer depletion in Texas's High Plains are causing unprecedented crop failures and water scarcity for cotton farmers.

Satellite images from September 2026 show parched fields and dry playa lakes in Lubbock County, Texas, a stark contrast to September 2025. Farmers report significant crop losses, with some experiencing complete failure for the first time.

The drought exacerbates the long-term decline of the High Plains aquifer. Farmers are irrigating less, and playa lakes, vital for aquifer recharge, are dry. Many lakes are already degraded, limiting their function.

Aquifer water levels have dropped 25-100 feet since 1950 in Lubbock County due to irrigation. The current drought has caused wells to run dry, a reality farmers face now, not in future generations.

Recent rains and El Niño offer some relief but are insufficient to end the drought, which requires about 7 inches of rain over three months.

Conservation efforts and NASA initiatives are connecting farmers with science to address water challenges, focusing on aquifer preservation and playa lake restoration.

Research indicates a significant decline in playa lakes over three decades, highlighting ongoing water stress. Farmers are seeking data and solutions for sustainable land and water management.

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