BROWNSVILLE (July 27, 2009)—The lingering drought in South Texas has growers worried about the fate of their crops this searing summer.

The National Weather Service in Brownsville reported a critical fire danger threat Monday, as the hot, dry weather continues.

Leonard Loop told the Brownsville Herald that early spring and July have been terrible for the region, with growers talking about lower grain and corn yields.

Loop Farms is a grower of sorghum, cotton, corn, soybeans, okra, citrus and sunflowers.

Texas agriculture officials this month said drought led to an estimated $3.6 billion in crop and livestock losses statewide.