Drought

Average rainfall in Far West Texas ranged from 1/3 inch to 1 inch. The dry conditions led to a small wildfire west of Alpine, but the fire was quickly controlled. Producers were preparing fields for cotton, and wheat has been rolled for hay for livestock. Corn, sorghum and melons were taking off and growing. Producers were controlling weeds and building beds in preparation for cotton. Soil moisture levels ranged from short to adequate, but more weed control was needed with the recent rain. Pecan trees were pollinating. Range conditions showed a slight increase in forage due to rainfall the previous week. Pastures were beginning to green up and looked much better, especially in the northern part of the region. Cattle were beginning to be put back to rangeland and off hay. Lambs and goats were finishing up with late works in the coming weeks. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), April 30, 2024 Far West Texas received little precipitation, and soil moisture levels remained steady, ranging from short to adequate. Evaporation was higher than normal and was removing what little topsoil moisture remained. The heat helped corn, sorghum and melon growth. Irrigation water was still moving decently in the soil; however, with falling capacity and no help from rain, growers were debating how much longer lower-capacity fields could continue production. Livestock continued to be fed as pastures had no grazing. Alfalfa fields were irrigated twice in most areas and should be cut for the first time this season by the end of the month. Pecan orchards were irrigated or were in the process of being irrigated. There was bud-break throughout the valley, indicating the pecan season began. The El Paso valley was fortunate to have a full allotment of water this year. A little wheat was grazed out while a few more fields were baled. The remainder of the irrigated acres will be harvested for grain, mostly for seed for next season. All dryland was being terminated for cotton cover. Livestock were in fair condition. Producers will begin working on lambs soon. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), April 16, 2024 There was no precipitation with a recent cold front in Far West Texas, and rain was desperately needed to improve rangeland, soil moisture and winter wheat conditions. Most wheat showed signs of drought stress. Wheat that was not harvested this season has been terminated to use as a cover crop for cotton. The only wheat remaining was a few acres of irrigated wheat. Fieldwork slowed down tremendously, and sprayers were running. Corn was coming along fine, as the cold did not affect it. Producers were preparing for watermelon planting. Pecan trees have started to get leaves. Livestock producers continued supplementing with hay and grain to keep livestock in fair condition. Some producers were scrambling for what to do with their livestock and finding other means to keep cattle fed and watered. Producers were preparing to start marking lambs. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), April 2, 2024 Dry and windy conditions, coupled with the wildfires in the Texas Panhandle, had producers and first responders on high alert as area rangelands had a large amount of fuel available if a wildfire occurred. A cool front entered parts of the region over the weekend and temperatures dropped into the low 50s. There was rainfall from between 0.3 inch and 1.5 inches. Wheat was growing. Producers continued preparing land for cotton crops. Pecan trees started to put on leaves. Land and stock tanks were still very dry and in poor condition. Area cattle producers were busy with the start of spring branding season. Lambing was complete and goats were expected to kid through March. Livestock were in fair condition and producers continued supplemental feeding. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), March 19, 2024 Unseasonably warm temperatures were prevalent across Far West Texas, with highs in the mid to upper 80s. However, a strong midweek cool front brought colder temperatures and significant moisture. Lows dropped down to the freezing mark in the upper elevations. We received between 0.4″ and 1 inch of rain, which helped freshen the ground for laying off rows and greening the wheat. Significantly more moisture will be needed to fill the profile for summer crops. Some producers were ready for irrigation, while most were still preparing. Some pecan producers were irrigating orchards early to get a head start. The grass was starting to green up in the pastures, primarily in rights-of-way for transmission lines and pipelines where all the brush has been removed, as well as low-lying areas such as tank bottoms. Livestock were in fair condition and producers continued supplemental feeding. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), March 5, 2024

Conditions in South Texas ranged from cool to mild and humid with some areas receiving rain while others received little to none. The rain should benefit forage production and help forage sorghum crops. Strawberry crops were slow. Wheat and oat crops were being prepared for harvest while corn continued to develop and cotton planting was complete in some areas. Corn and grain sorghum crops in some areas were starting to stress and yield potential was shrinking due to windy, warm and dry conditions, while others were progressing well with most corn at the silking stage and grain sorghum in the soft dough stage. Cotton plants were growing well but will need to be watered once plant height increases. Row crops in some areas looked good but will need some rain soon for good yields. Onions were still being harvested and citrus was being irrigated. Some hay meadows were being irrigated and some have been baled. Sugar cane aphids were causing issues for sorghum acres, but other crops remained pest-free for the most part. Pastures remained in fair to good condition but were starting to slowly deteriorate due to the lack of moisture. In Maverick County, planted crops were emerging as normal and the coastal Bermuda was producing good hay bales. Irrigation water from the local canal system was being reduced in Maverick County due to the current drought and lack of water in the Rio Bravo River. Beef cattle producers were closely monitoring their herd size to maintain their range and pasture conditions. Beef cattle prices remained high and looked to stay that way due to lower overall numbers. In Live Oak County, ranchers were still actively selling their cattle and prices suffered some due to highly pathogenic avian influenza, which was found in a few dairy herds throughout the U.S. Livestock and wildlife continued to flourish thanks to good range and pasture conditions in late winter and early spring. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), April 30, 2024 Weather conditions in South Texas were mild with scattered thunderstorms. Producers reported an average of 1 inch of rainfall. Wheat crops were reaching maturity and beginning to turn brown. Corn crops continued to progress under irrigation. Citrus trees set their fruit for the year. Cotton planting continued. Pasture and rangeland conditions were slowly improving with increased moisture. Hay fields were under irrigation as producers prepared for the next cutting. Pasture availability was good, but supplemental feeding continued for all livestock. Most cattle have improved body scores this spring, and calves were growing nicely. Cattle sales slowed the last few weeks due to weaker prices and above-average grazing conditions. Wildlife were thriving with the excellent rangeland and pasture conditions this spring. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), April 16, 2024 Conditions were favorable in South Texas, with enough rain to encourage planting row crops and to allow pastures to green up. More rain was needed to help those pastures fully recover. Strawberry production was in full swing. Corn crops emerged while wheat and oat crops were in the dough stage. Onions and citrus were being harvested. Most cotton has been planted. Producers were busy spraying weeds, fertilizing pastures and planting hay grazers. Local beef cattle markets were sustaining average to above-average offerings of cattle with notable price increases for all classes of beef cattle. Wildlife was doing well. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), April 2, 2024 Weather conditions throughout South Texas were mild with scattered showers over the weekend. Strawberry production was taking place, and corn planting continued. Wheat and oat crops began heading under irrigation. Onions, citrus and cool-season vegetables were being harvested. Watermelons were being planted. Pasture and rangeland conditions were fair. Bermuda grass was greening up. Stock tanks were low. Producers continued supplemental feeding for their herds. Local markets remained strong and steady for all classes of beef cattle. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), March 19, 2024

The cattle herd was the smallest on Jan. 1 since 1961, and drought and high prices were keeping producers from expanding the herd this year. As of Jan. 1, 2024, the cow herd was estimated at 28.233 million head. Heifer retention has not been good, and there are still drought concerns in the western Plains. DTN – The Progressive Farmer (Burnsville, Minn.), May 3, 2024 The U.S. beef cow herd was 28.2 million head on Jan. 1, according to the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service cattle report. The beef cow inventory has decreased for the fifth consecutive year. Drought severity in 2023 led some producers to sell livestock. The states with the biggest drops in cattle were Texas, down 4.3%; Oklahoma, down 3.5%; Missouri, down 5.9%; and Nebraska, down 3.9%. Farm Progress (St. Charles, Ill.), Feb 5, 2024 On Jan. 1, the U.S. cow herd amounted to 28.2 million head for the smallest herd since the report was established in 1972 and 2% lower than one year ago. Ongoing drought in key cattle-producing states, in addition to high input costs, have led to liquidation. Successful Farming Online (Des Moines, Iowa), Feb 2, 2024

Willacy County officials proclaimed a local state of disaster due to severe drought. KFXV (McAllen, Texas), May 1, 2024

The City of Hutto says that Stage 1 conservation efforts are enacted during a mild drought. While they are voluntary, they are encouraged. FOX 7 Austin (Texas), April 20, 2024

Gov. Mike Parson extended Missouri's drought alert on Friday, April 26. the alert has been extended through September 1. KFVS12 (Cape Girardeau, Mo.), April 26, 2024 Gov. Mike Parson signed an executive order to extend Missouri’s drought alert until May 1, 2024. The drought alert began on May 31, 2023 in response to severe drought conditions. Many ranchers have had to sell livestock early and were looking for alternative feed. St. Joseph News-Press (Mo.), Nov 17, 2023 Gov. Mike Parson signed an executive order, directing the activation of the state’s Drought Assessment Committee and that state and federal agencies participate as needed. The Executive Order will expire on Dec. 1, 2023. KRCG-TV (New Bloomfield, Mo.), May 31, 2023

Recent drought in California has left water users still conserving and using less water than prior to the drought. Water sales were historically low during the drought when restrictions on water use were mandatory. Less revenue from water sales, combined with higher labor and financing costs led the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California to raise the water rate for its customers from San Diego through Ventura County in early April. Ventura County Star (Camarillo, Calif.), April 25, 2024

The water allocation for irrigators in the Klamath Basin is 35% below the estimated need even though precipitation was normal for the season. The 2024 allocation will be 230,000 acre-feet from Upper Klamath Lake. Some farmers will be without surface water for a fifth consecutive year. Western Farm Press (Minneapolis, Minn.), April 24, 2024

PUD #1 of Clallam County requested that water utility customers get ready to conserve water this year in response to a State-wide drought emergency declaration from the Department of Ecology. My Clallam County (Port Angeles, Wash.), April 25, 2024

The wheat crop in northwest Oklahoma was struggling amid a dry spell ranging from 80 to 105 days for some towns. Ponds for livestock were dropping quickly in some areas. KOCO 5 News (Oklahoma City, Okla.), April 23, 2024

In early April, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers approved a request from the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes’ Energy Keepers, Inc., to raise Flathead Lake’s spring level by two feet to 2,885 feet and hold more water in the lake. Flows this year may be very similar to the record-low flows in 2023. Daily Montanan (Helena, Mont.), April 22, 2024

The USCGC Oliver Henry delivered drought relief supplies, including water, food, and reverse osmosis systems, to four outer island communities: Satawal, Woleai, Fais, and Ulithi, in a 1,200 nautical mile round trip across Yap State in the Federated States of Micronesia. U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (Halawa Heights, Hawaii), April 17, 2024

Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket were no longer in drought and became drought-free like the rest of the state after several months of above-average rainfall eased the dryness. CapeCod.com (Hyannis, Mass.), April 18, 2024 Three months of near-normal rainfall has led the Islands Region to be eased from Level 2-Significant Drought to Level 1-Mild Drought. The rest of the state remained in Level 0-Normal Conditions. Mass.gov (Boston), March 8, 2024 Massachusetts officials have designated a Level 2-Significant Drought for Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket after two months of scarce rainfall, low groundwater levels since June and atypical temperatures. People and businesses in these areas were to reduce overall water use and follow local guidance on water restrictions. CapeCod.com (Hyannis, Ma.), Dec 14, 2023

Rainfall varied throughout Central Texas, but some counties remained dry with lake levels at 30%. Other counties received heavy rains for up to four days. There were reports of up to 7 inches of rain in some areas, leading to steady runoff, creeks flowing over their banks and full stock tanks. Temperatures remained cool and kept winter grasses green and growing. Bermuda grass was emerging slowly due to cooler weather. Rangeland and pasture conditions were fair to good. Native and improved grasses were greening, but cool nights slowed growth. Producers were spraying weeds and fertilizing fields, and many producers got their first cut of hay. Wheat and oats were being grazed out. Corn planting was wrapping up, and the crop was off to a good start. Some early planted cotton had emerged. Cotton planted in the areas that received heavy rainfall may need to be replanted. Wheat continued to look good. Grain sorghum planting began with some fields remaining to be planted. Most cattle looked good on native pastures, and supplemental feeding slowed. Cattle prices were high, while sheep and goat prices held steady. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), April 16, 2024

Years of drought, recent rainfall, combined with warm winter temperatures, have created good conditions for the widespread development of stripe rust in Texas. “Stripe rust is extensive this year, and we’ve been seeing it in our wheat trial plots and in producers’ fields for the past few weeks,” said an AgriLife Extension statewide small grains specialist in the Department of Soil and Crop Sciences, Bryan-College Station. “Leaf rust came on a little later but has not been as widespread as the stripe rust.” AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), April 16, 2024

A drought emergency was declared for most of Washington due to the low snowpack and the forecast for a warm, dry spring and summer. Many watersheds were already projecting low water supplies and planning for emergency water right transfers. The Department of Ecology declared a drought to make up to $4.5 million available in drought response grants available before those impacts become severe. The new declaration will extend into 2025. Seattle, Tacoma and Everett were not included in the new drought declaration. State of Washington Department of Ecology (Olympia, Wash.), April 16, 2024 Forecasted runoff remained below 75% of normal water supply, which may cause undue hardship for water users and the environment. Agricultural areas such as the Columbia Basin could be harshly affected. Ecology is making up to $4.5 million available in drought response grants to qualifying public entities in response to impacts from the present drought conditions. KEPR 19 (Pasco, Wash.), April 18, 2024

Drought and the pine beetle infestation in Mississippi in 2023 ravaged the state’s forests, leading the U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency to declare a state of emergency. Landowners may receive up to $500,000 each to save private tree farms through a forest restoration program. WAPT Channel 16 (Jackson, Miss.), April 17, 2024

Cameron County has issued a disaster declaration due to a critical water shortage. Brownsville issued an ordinance prohibiting the construction of new car washes within five miles of each other. Texas Public Radio (San Antonio), April 17, 2024

A Sharp County cattle farmer felt that he was behind in hay production with grasses that were planted this winter not growing. Row crop growers in northeast Arkansas have found the dry weather of the past few weeks to be helpful and letting them get crops planted early. With seeds in the ground, rain was needed to get them to germinate. KAIT 8 (Jonesboro, Ark.), April 15, 2024

Some drought stress was observed among the wheat crop in central Kansas.