LUBBOCK (July 20, 2009)--Texas agriculture officials estimate drought crop and livestock losses at $3.6 billion, and without ample rains the year's final tally could top the record set in
2006.

Crops and rangeland are scorched from lack of rainfall and record triple-digit temperatures throughout parts of Texas.

Central and southern parts of the state are in the two worst stages of drought.

Officials said in a news release Monday that if dry conditions persist losses could surpass the $4.1 billion in agriculture losses three years ago.

Total crop losses this year are estimated at $2.6 billion and livestock, another $974 million since November 2008.