Drought

The Colorado Forest Service recommends watering newly planted trees at lower elevations to avoid tree damage, given the drought conditions. KREX-TV CBS 5 (Grand Junction, Colo.), Feb. 17, 2020

The Kleberg County Commissioners voted to enact a 90-day burn ban to take effect on Feb. 18, due to the lack of rain. Fireworks will still be sold to celebrate Texas Independence Day, but no aerial fireworks will be offered, due to the rising fire danger. Kingsville Record (Texas), Feb. 20, 2020

After a relatively dry January and February, grass on hillsides in Napa County was a meager four to five inches tall, in comparison with being two to three feet in height one year ago. Napa Valley Register (Calif.), Feb. 17, 2020

Turlock Irrigation District customers were calling to ask when irrigation deliveries would begin, given the dry conditions. Turlock Journal (Calif.), Feb. 14, 2020

Without rain for more than a month, a San Benito County rancher reported slow grass growth, feed costs were rising and his cattle were underweight. KSBW-TV Salinas (Calif.), Feb. 15, 2020

The California Department of Water Resource estimated a delivery allocation of 15 percent for the San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District and other agencies which receive water from the State Water Project. The SWP typically provides closer to 30 percent of the needed water, but snowpack in the Sierra Nevada was 70 percent of normal at the end of January. Highland Community News (Calif.), Feb. 13, 2020

Dry weather in California has caused numerous escaped debris burns in the northern part of the state, keeping Cal Fire busier than normal. KRCR-TV ABC 7 & KCVU-TV Fox 20 (Redding, Calif.), Feb. 12, 2020

Dryland wheat in West Central Texas not growing much, while grazing in pastures was scarce. The district needed good rainfall to replenish soil moisture. AgriLife (Texas A&M) (College Station, Texas), Feb. 4, 2020

Many wheat fields in Far West Texas appeared drought stressed as soil moisture was very short. Wheat field conditions varied from very poor to good, and was mostly poor to good. AgriLife (Texas A&M) (College Station, Texas), Feb. 4, 2020

Drought harmed Georgia’s pecan trees in the latter part of 2019, affecting development and possibly depressing the harvest. Georgia Public Broadcasting (Atlanta), Feb. 6, 2020

Many Virginia farmers were low on hay after a late summer and fall drought in 2019 reduced hay production and forced them to begin feeding hay early, cutting into winter supplies. Many farmers were searching for hay to purchase in state, but were finding that they had to purchase from neighboring states. Some parts of Virginia had adequate supplies, however. Hay prices were also higher than normal. Round bales were selling for $80 rather than the normal price of $40. Many pastures did not recover well after the drought, meaning farmers will have to feed longer than usual this spring. Culpeper Star-Exponent (Va.), Feb. 6, 2020

Six central Texas counties were declared a state of disaster by Gov. Greg Abbott, due to drought. The six counties were Bell, Burleson, Burnet, Freestone, Navarro and Williamson. KXXV-TV ABC 25 Waco (Texas), Feb. 6, 2020

A livestock producer on the Hildalgo/Starr County line reported poor grass growth as the area was in moderate to severe drought, with dry conditions beginning in October. He was spending $600 weekly on hay, and might have to sell his livestock if rain does not fall within the next month. KGBT-TV 4 Valley Central.com (Harlingen, Texas), Feb. 3, 2020

Some parts of South Texas missed the spotty rains, leaving soil moisture very short to adequate in places. Pasture and rangeland conditions were poor, leading to supplementation of feed and hay for livestock. Some producers were burning prickly pear for use as a supplement. Round bales sold for $80 per bale. Texas A&M AgriLife (College Station, Texas), Jan. 29, 2020

Central Texas stock tanks remained low from insufficient rainfall runoff. Texas A&M AgriLife (College Station, Texas), Feb. 4, 2020 Wheat in Central Texas was stunted from lack of moisture as much of the district was dry. Livestock were receiving supplemental feeding. Stock tanks were low. Texas A&M AgriLife (College Station, Texas), Jan. 29, 2020

Abundant rain in 2018 and early 2019 in the Midwest, followed by drought, limited the hay crop, leaving farmers very low on hay in early 2020. With hay supplies low, prices were high. The cost of a bale of hay is typically $5, but has risen to $12 per bale. Columbus Dispatch (Ohio), Jan. 23, 2020

Abnormal dryness along the coast of North Carolina led the state Drought Management Advisory Council to strongly recommend the implementation of drought response actions for affected areas. OBXToday.com (Nags Head, N.C.), Jan. 31, 2020

Recent rainfall in West Central Texas finally allowed winter grass to emerge. Livestock grazing was limited, and supplemental feeding continued. Texas A&M AgriLife (College Station, Texas), Jan. 29, 2020

Coastal Bend livestock producers continued to feed supplemental protein and hay, although hay supplies were tighter than normal. Recent rainfall stimulated pasture growth. Texas A&M AgriLife (College Station, Texas), Jan. 29, 2020

Many evergreen trees in the Louisville area appeared to have suffered damage during the intense late summer/fall drought. WLKY.com Louisville Channel (Ky.), Jan. 28, 2020