As we move deeper into the Spring 2026 season, the "rebalanced market" isn't the only thing on the minds of local landowners. With drought conditions persisting across Northeast Texas and much of Arkansas currently in severe to exceptional drought, managing our water and soil has never been more critical.
Whether you’ve just purchased a new hunting tract or you’re managing a legacy cattle operation, the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) offers several strategies to help make your land more resilient.
The Three Pillars of Drought Resilience
1. Maximizing Irrigation Efficiency Every drop counts when water costs rise and levels drop. Modernizing your systems, such as moving to subsurface drip irrigation, doesn't just save water; it reduces your energy and labor costs while often improving crop yields.
2. Building "Sponge" Soil Healthier soil holds more water. By using no-till practices or cover crops, you increase your soil’s organic matter. Did you know? Each 1% increase in organic matter can help an acre of soil hold an additional 25,000 gallons of water. That is a massive insurance policy for your land during a dry spell.
3. Strategic Grazing & Watering For our ranching clients, rotational grazing is a game-changer. By moving cattle among pastures, you prevent over-stressing the vegetation. The NRCS also provides assistance for installing new watering facilities or pipelines to ensure your livestock have reliable access when local ponds begin to dip.
Ready to Prepare?
The USDA and NRCS are currently offering several programs to help producers recover from and prepare for drought conditions. You can find more details and local assistance at
This information was adapted from a report provided by the USDA Farm Service Agency. At United Country Real Estate | Double Creek Land and Homes, we believe that being a great neighbor means sharing the best resources to keep our local agriculture thriving.