Drought

Stage 1 Fire Restrictions took effect on the Navajo Nation effective immediately in response to severe drought conditions and increasing fire hazards after Navajo Nation Buu Nygren signed an executive order. A number of wildfires were already burning in Arizona and New Mexico. The order also prohibits the sale, possession, or use of fireworks and other pyrotechnics on Navajo lands as well as open fires and the use of charcoal or coal outdoors. Hoodline Phoenix (Ariz.), June 26, 2024

Heat and the lack of rain has hurt dryland crops in Orangeburg County. The yield potential of the dryland corn has been severely affected, according to an Orangeburg County Clemson extension agent. He thought that some dryland fields would have a significantly reduced or even near zero yield. Irrigated corn looks about average or above average. Some of the corn was already dried up and will not benefit from forecast rain. Dryland crops such as cotton, peanuts, soybeans, sorghum, sesame and hay have not made good stands. The Times and Democrat (Orangeburg, S.C.), June 25, 2024

A water drought emergency ordinance continued in Galena. The order came from the state through the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and required the city to establish three stages of water conservation measures in case of an emergency. The city relies on wells and is striving to get another one up and running. Fourstates Homepage (Joplin, Mo.), June 25, 2024

The heat and lack of rain were killing crops in Harnett County. Corn stalks with wilted leaves stood on parched, dry soil. The corn ought to be taller than the six-foot six-inch farmer, but was shorter. The farmers market did not have the usual variety of produce for sale because the lack of rain and intense heat have hurt crops. Butter beans was one item not available. WNCN-TV NBC 17 (Raleigh, N.C.), June 25, 2024

Flash drought was affecting crops in the Appomattox area. In addition, the ground was so hard that a farmer has a field that was not in use because he cannot plant. WSET-TV ABC 13 (Lynchburg, Va.), June 24, 2024

Dry weather in the Charlottesville area has caused river levels to drop, which has affected recreation. The Rivanna River Company paused most downriver paddling and tubing as of June 15 because the Rivanna River was very low. Rafting trips were also at a standstill on the James River. Tubing and canoeing/kayaking trips were still a possibility, but people needed to watch for rocks. CBS 19 News (Charlottesville, Va.), June 25, 2024

Multiple fires have burned in Henrico County in recent days as dry conditions increased the fire danger. A 70-acre brush fire on June 24 damaged several homes. An official with the Virginia Department of Forestry very strongly suggests that the public avoid outdoor burning. WRIC-TV (Richmond, Va.), June 26, 2024

Residents of Staunton were asked to conserve water voluntarily after the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality issued a drought warning advisory for the city and larger Shenandoah region. “The water level in the Staunton Reservoir, one of the city’s drinking sources, is dropping,” according to Staunton’s engagement and communications manager. “Water stopped overflowing the dam at the end of last week. Groundwater levels have also dropped from low to very low. Hotter temperatures and lack of rainfall have led to higher water usage.” WHSV Online (Harrisonburg, Va.), June 25, 2024

The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, working with the Virginia Drought Monitoring Task Force, issued a drought warning advisory for 12 counties and a drought watch advisory for 95 counties and cities affecting all regions of the Commonwealth. The lack of precipitation and heat led to a “rapid intensification of drought throughout the majority of the Commonwealth with substantial below-normal observations noted within the Northern Virginia and Shenandoah drought evaluation regions,” according to the DEQ. A drought warning advisory, indicating a significant drought is imminent, was in effect for the Shenandoah region, which encompasses Augusta, Rockingham, Shenandoah, Frederick, Page, Warren and Clarke counties, and for the Northern Virginia Region that covers Fauquier, Loudoun, Prince William, Arlington and Fairfax counties. The remainder of the state was in a drought watch advisory, which is meant to help the public prepare for a potential drought. Stream flows and groundwater levels were all at or below the 25th percentile. WDBJ7 (Roanoke, Va.), June 24, 2024

Voluntary water restrictions took effect in Gretna until further notice to conserve water amid the drought. KETV Newswatch 7 (Omaha, Neb.), June 25, 2024

Some Virginia farmers were being prevented from double-cropping. They were waiting for rain because the ground was too hard to get seed planted. Gazette Leader (Fairfax, Va.), June 21, 2024

Franklin County Commissioners issued an emergency burn ban proclamation due to drought and high temperatures. The burn ban will be in effect until further notice. The use of aerial fireworks was discouraged. Eagle Country (Lawrenceburg, Ind.), June 20, 2024

Southeast Colorado winter wheat was expected to see a high level of abandonment due to dry weather. Kiowa County Press (Eads, Colo.), June 15, 2024

The lack of rain in Carteret County in eastern North Carolina has stressed the field corn. A local farmer stated that some of the crops were “already shot” and were done for the season, while others might hang on a while longer. NewsChannel 12 (New Bern, N.C.), June 19, 2024

A McPherson wheat grower was frustrated that the wheat harvest was delayed by rain and mud, yet his crop yield was depressed by drought. The grain quality was excellent, and test weights were about 60 pounds per bushel. The interim general manager of the Pawnee County Co-op Association has seen 55 harvests and says that this one is the next to the lowest year. Drought and the wheat streak mosaic virus took a toll on the grain yields and test weights. The co-op had received just 341,000 bushels so far this year, compared to 450,000 bushels last year. A Montgomery County wheat grower reported yields averaging 40 to 70 bushels per acres with test weights averaging 62 pounds per bushel. KSN.com (Wichita, Kan.), June 19, 2024

The Rio Grande Valley has been dry for most of the growing season, which pushed the harvest later and longer than usual. Watermelons were still being picked last week. The drier weather and limited irrigation water in the Valley shifted some production to the Winter Garden. The lack of irrigation water in the Rio Grande Valley also led to more watermelons being grown in the Winter Garden. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), June 18, 2024

Far West Texas reported above-average temperatures ranging from the upper-90s to low-100s and rainfall averaging 0.5 of an inch in some areas. Winds continued to dry out topsoil moisture, and corn and sorghum plants were beginning to show signs of stress. Watermelons and cantaloupe continued to make good progress, but weed control was an issue for all areas. Soil moisture ranged from short to adequate while rangeland conditions remained steady. Livestock ranchers were culling herds due to drought and were supplementing food and water for remaining cattle. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), June 18, 2024 Far West Texas reported extreme heat and isolated severe thunderstorms with daytime highs ranging in the mid- to upper-90s in the higher elevations, with highs well above 100 degrees in lower areas. Rainfall averaged between trace amounts and 1 inch. Moisture improved range, soil and planting conditions. There were reports of hail up to 2 inches in diameter and a tornado in the southern part of the district. Cotton planting progressed quickly with virtually no topsoil moisture, and growers were working through fields non-stop. Winter wheat was grazed out or baled for hay. Corn and melons with ample irrigation were coming along well. Onions were being harvested, and hay and alfalfa were growing well. Mesquite trees were blooming. Livestock were in fair condition, but food and water were still being supplemented in most areas and flies were becoming an issue. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), June 4, 2024 Temperatures in Far West Texas averaged over 100 degrees during the day and in the low 70s at night with some areas seeing rain. Rainfall ranged from 0.6-1 inch. There were some reports of hail, damaging some homes and vehicles, but no major damage was reported to livestock. The high winds and intense heat removed moisture from the top 2 inches of ground soil, causing dust storms that limited visibility. Cotton planting began, with Pima and upland cotton fields looking good. Winter wheat was baled for hay or grazed out by livestock, and rye was growing well. Corn and melon crops were doing well, and alfalfa was being cut and baled with some producers starting the second cut. Pecan orchards were being irrigated or prepared for irrigation, and foliar-fed zinc were being applied to trees. Pastures in some areas were beginning to green up for the first time since last year, while producers continued to give livestock feed and water in areas experiencing drought. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), May 21, 2024 Temperatures in Far West Texas ranged from highs in the lower 90s to lows in the mid 60s and rainfall ranged between 0.2 and 4 inches with a few areas receiving no rainfall. Some strong wind and hail were reported with some hail and flood damage reported. Weed control was becoming a bigger issue in all farm ground and a large influx of large red velvet mites have been reported. Around 75% of the cotton planted has emerged and continued to grow with some fields going in late with upland cotton. All Pima cotton should be planted by now. The pecan orchards were very good as most farmers were irrigating for the second time. The flat ground, no-till and wheat stubble has taken and spread out the moisture better. The topsoil and subsoil moisture should help improve the very poor range and pasture conditions. Straw has been baled and wheat is in the drying stage. The El Paso Valley looked very good, thanks to project irrigation water, or river water. Alfalfa production was higher than usual with oats and wheat being cut and baled by the end of this month. Range conditions saw grass returning to normal health and pastures were beginning to green up a bit more. Livestock conditions will see return of cattle to grazed areas for a second round. The working of lambs and kids was completed and livestock and wildlife continued to be fed. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), May 7, 2024

West Central Texas was warm and humid with rainfall accumulations ranging from 0.5-3 inches. Soil conditions were good with warm-season forages growing and being cut and baled. Increasing pest problems were reported in some areas, with grasshoppers becoming a widespread issue. Cotton planting was completed with earlier planted fields doing well but later planted cotton struggling to emerge in the dry soil and high heat. Grain sorghum was progressing with most plants in the flowering stage. Some corn was impacted by hail but looked to be in fair to good condition overall. Hay season looked promising, and pecan outlooks were optimistic. Pasture conditions ranged from fair to good, but the high temperatures were causing concern for fire. Rangeland conditions were good, and grasses recovered well, but weeds were becoming a concern. Lakes and stock tanks were still rising with some stock tanks reported to be full. Livestock conditions ranged from good to excellent, but sheep and goat producers were dealing with internal parasites. Cattle were in good shape and prices remained strong. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), June 18, 2024 West Central Texas had from no rain to 5 inches across the district with temperatures ranging from the upper 70s to low 90s. Reports of hail and wind damage included hail impacting wheat progress, with some farms reporting wind damage from storms. Despite storm damage, wheat crops ranged from good to excellent condition. In some parts of the region, wheat and oat pastures continued to mature but most would be grazed or baled for hay. In other areas, the wheat was drying down and harvest will start soon for dryland acres with low yields expected. Grain and forage sorghum planting was ongoing. Corn looked fair but needs more rain to supplement the irrigation. Pasture and rangeland conditions ranged from poor to good, with some areas improved due to recent rains. Forage, mainly cool season maturing forages, was appearing with producers managing weeds after the recent rains. Cattle continued to look good with body condition looking good on all classes. Sheep and goat producers need an aggressive parasite management program with the recent rains. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), May 7, 2024

Southwest Texas received rainfall ranging from 0.5-1.25 inches, which helped to replenish soil moisture, but more rainfall was needed. The dry conditions were beginning to take their toll on rangelands, pastures and row crops. Forages, native plants and wildflowers were doing well. Hay harvest was underway, but production was below normal. Crop conditions ranged from poor to good. The hot and humid conditions were reducing feed efficiency in cattle, but body conditions were good. Webworms were beginning to establish themselves in pecan trees, which could potentially pose problems for producers in the future. Livestock benefited from better rangeland conditions, but producers were still supplementing herd diets. Cattle markets were good. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), June 18, 2024 Rainfall in Southwest Texas averaged 3-4 inches with temperatures in the 90s. There were reports of strong winds in most areas that caused minimal damage to trees and row crops. Row crop conditions looked good despite the hot temperatures and lack of moisture. Dryland corn was beginning to stunt, and warm-season grasses were beginning to seed. Bermuda grass hay fields were being cut and baled and pastures were beginning to decline due to the windy and hot temperatures. Backyard gardens were perking up from the small amount of rain and sunshine. Livestock looked good, and whitetail does were having babies and becoming more active. Cattle body conditions looked good. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), June 4, 2024 Extreme storm conditions brought over 2.5 inches of rainfall and hail to some areas. High winds also caused some damage to agricultural operations, including downed trees and limbs. There also was some damage reported to building roofs. There was wind damage reported in corn, sorghum and cotton, particularly on the outer edges of the fields. Range and pasture conditions improved, though deep subsoil moisture remained a concern as many native pecan trees did not leaf out this year. Warmer, drier weather was predicted, and the evapotranspiration rates were expected to rise soon with higher temperatures. Wheat and oat harvests began with higher-than-normal yields reported. Cattle were grazing on pastures. Pastures continued to look good, and hay production was ongoing in some areas. Livestock diets were being supplemented and were in mostly fair condition. Whitetail deer does were starting to drop fawns, and bucks were active. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), May 21, 2024 Precipitation amounts across Southwest Texas ranged from none to almost 2 inches in isolated pockets. Soil moisture was lacking throughout the region and no runoff water was reported. It was cooler in some areas with overcast, high humidity and a hot week expected. The rain helped allow pasture, forage and range conditions to remain good. Both irrigated and dryland crops were improving, and corn and sorghum continued to grow, having recovered from recent hail damage. Desert termites continued to devastate parts of some areas and a heavy caterpillar presence was noticed in pecans and other trees. The early season hay baling has been noticed. Soils were retaining moisture and stock tanks have filled up to a noticeable amount. Livestock body condition scores averaged from 4-6 and producers were still cutting numbers as the region was not showing real signs of recovery. However, livestock conditions remained good. Deer and other wildlife activity increased, and young bucks were seen more frequently. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), May 7, 2024

Weather conditions in South Texas ranged from hot and dry to mild and humid with very little rainfall. Sorghum fields looked good with most areas reporting seeding and crops turning color. Sesame and watermelon crops looked good and were almost ready for harvest. Many producers were expected to begin sunflower harvest soon. Cotton conditions ranged from fair to good with most areas seeing bolls and early planted cotton in the flowering stages. Whiteflies and chili thrips were in cotton, and aphids were reported on some late-panted grain sorghum fields. Corn fields were in good condition with harvest underway in most areas. Pasture conditions varied from poor to fair with ranchers in some areas already selling calves at lighter weights and supplementing cattle with hay and protein. Livestock and wildlife conditions were good, and cattle prices remained strong in most areas. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), June 18, 2024 The district received rainfall ranging from zero to 4 inches with hot, humid conditions. The grain sorghum harvest started in many areas. Sudan and Bermuda grass fields were baled. Corn was a few weeks away from harvest. Sesame pods were being set, and fields looked clean of insects. Very few crop fields were being irrigated as most irrigation districts were out of water allotments. Turfgrass was being harvested. Hay was being bailed in many places, with producers in some areas gearing up for their second cutting. Fruit and vegetable producers were harvesting and moving their crop as quickly as possible. Cotton fields were flowering. Pastures were green and lush, and irrigated hay fields were in good condition in some areas with a few areas suffering from the extreme heat and dry conditions. Livestock conditions ranged from poor to good. Supplemental feeding of livestock continued in some areas with many landowners planning to thin their herds to prepare for a dry summer. Cattle prices were strong. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), June 4, 2024 South Texas reported very warm to hot conditions and rainfall ranging from a trace to 2 inches. There were reports of hail and straight-line winds that damaged irrigation pivots and outbuildings. Corn and grain sorghum fields were expected to be harvested earlier this year. Cotton planting continued, and planted fields were beginning to show growth. Watermelon harvest continued with drip irrigation taking place. Sesame fields were faring well. Oats were harvested, and wheat harvest was good in most areas while some activity halted due to rain. Hay producers were cutting Bermuda grass fields and should bale soon. Hay yields ranged from fair to good in most areas. Range and pasture conditions were poor to good. Livestock and wildlife conditions were poor to good with supplemental feeding occurring in most areas. Cattle were in good condition but needed supplemental feed. Some sale barns reported lower volumes with a slight decrease in feeder cattle prices while others reported strong prices. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), May 21, 2024 South Texas has seen mild temperatures with humid and windy conditions with rainfall averaging from dry to 2 1/2 inches in some areas. Soil conditions ranged from poor to adequate. Corn and sorghum crops in some areas continued to progress but were showing signs of moisture stress in late morning in some plants. Row crops in some areas were looking good in irrigated areas. In Hidalgo County, flea hopper pressure was reported in untreated cotton and yellow sugarcane aphid pressure was reported in grain sorghum. Citrus was being irrigated, but some orchards were in irrigation districts that were out of water. Irrigation was getting critical for most producers because of extremely low water levels in Falcon Lake. Irrigation districts and some municipalities in Cameron County were continuing to implement water usage restrictions as supplies continued to decline. Strawberries were being harvested with other spring and summer vegetables in some areas. Wheat and oat harvest has begun in most areas and cotton planting will be completed. Peanut planting started in Frio County. Producers were busy harvesting hay in some areas but other fields needed rain to finish growing. Grazer fields were still growing but were showing signs of moisture stress. Coastal Bermuda grass fields were producing good hay bales, and watermelon fields were developing in normal conditions in Maverick County. Pasture and rangeland conditions ranged from poor to fair. Beef cattle producers in most areas continued to take advantage of strong market prices as they continued to cull herds prior to summer. A slight seasonal decrease in feeder cattle was reported this week. Quail were pairing up and notable sightings were being reported. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), May 7, 2024