In the late 1800s, many Texas farmers switched from traditional wet farming to dry farming. This shift in agricultural practices was caused by several factors, including changes in the climate, soil, and market demands.

The first factor that led to the switch to dry farming changed in the climate. Previously, the climate in Texas had been relatively wet and mild, with an average of 10 to 20 inches of precipitation per year in many areas. However, from the late 1800s to the early 1900s, the climate in Texas began to dry out, with average rainfall decreasing to as little as 6 inches per year in some areas. This decrease in precipitation made it difficult for traditional wet farming techniques to be successful.

The second factor contributing to the switch to dry farming was changes in the soil. As the climate became drier, the soil in Texas began to lose its moisture-holding capacity. This made it difficult for wet farming techniques to be successful, as the soil could not hold enough water for crops to survive and thrive. Additionally, the soil in Texas was often too hard and compacted to support wet farming techniques, as the water would not be able to penetrate through the soil to reach the roots of the plants.

The third factor contributing to the switch to dry farming was changes in the market demands. As the climate became drier, the demand for crops that could survive in arid conditions increased. This led to the development of drought-resistant varieties of crops, such as wheat, corn, and oats, which were better suited to dry farming techniques and could survive in arid conditions.

The switch to dry farming in Texas was a major shift in agricultural practices. It allowed farmers to continue growing crops in an increasingly dry climate and allowed them to take advantage of new market demands for drought-resistant crops. Though dry farming was more difficult than wet farming, it ultimately allowed Texas farmers to continue to produce crops in an increasingly arid climate.