Drought

Trees in Fergus Falls were stressed due to drought. Needle blight can affect evergreens during drought. Snow typically covers and protects tree roots, which are shallow and sensitive to cold temperatures, but snow has been below normal this winter. Fergus Falls Daily Journal (Minn.), Feb 22, 2024

The Lower Colorado River Authority unanimously adopted a resolution that would permit customers to water outdoors only once per week while water storage in both Lake Travis and Lake Buchanan combined remain at less than 1.1 million acre-feet of water. The new rule, which will take effect on May 1, was needed as drought worsened, water use was high due to the increasing population in the Hill Country and lake levels were low. The combined water storage in Lake Travis and Lake Buchanan was 842,342 acre-feet on Feb. 1, which was nearly 200,000 acre-feet lower than one year ago. KVUE News Online (Austin, Texas), Feb 22, 2024

The Missouri Senate is considering a bill that would prohibit anyone from exporting water outside of the state without a permit. Missouri Net (Jefferson City, Mo.), Feb 22, 2024

Governor Jeff Landry wrote to U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, seeking federal aid to deal with drought damage to Louisiana’s crawfish industry. The harsh drought conditions of 2023 and freezing temperatures at the start of 2024 have crawfish farmers in crisis. FOX 8 (New Orleans, La.), Feb 21, 2024

Drought caused the soil in Jefferson Parish to contract last summer, and the return of rain has allowed it to expand again. All of the soil movement, combined with the age of the pipes, has led to many water mains and sewer lines breaking underground. WWL-TV (New Orleans, La.), Feb 21, 2024

Lawns look rough in New Orleans, but they may begin showing signs of recovery in March as they emerge from dormancy. NOLA.com (New Orleans, La.), Feb 21, 2024

Winter pasture growth in East Texas improved with recent moisture and warmer temperatures. Heavy rains continued to fall in some areas. Anderson County reported pastures were too wet to work for the most part. Pasture and rangeland conditions were fair to poor. Subsoil and topsoil conditions were adequate. Ponds and creeks were full, with some running over the spillway. Cattle prices were high; some areas had low numbers due to rain. Hay supplies remained tight. Livestock were in fair to good condition, with supplementation taking place. Wild pig activity continued to increase. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Feb 21, 2024

Some businesses in northern Wisconsin received below normal snowfall this winter and may qualify for a federal disaster loan after the mild winter brought less snow than usual. The lack of snow has affected travel and recreation businesses that depend on it for activities such as downhill and cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling. WBAY TV (Green Bay, Wis.), Feb 20, 2024

Drought during the 2023 summer was responsible for the high cost of beef. The cost of purchasing meat for a barbeque restaurant in Tyler has increased 45 to 65 percent. KYTX CBS19 (Tyler, Texas), Feb 20, 2024

Recent rainfall has allowed dryness to ease in the Tampa area, but forestry workers were still warning people to be careful with fire. WTSP 10 Tampa Bay (Fla.), Feb 20, 2024

Some wells have gone dry in Terre Haute, leaving other area well users anxious about their water supplies. People were using water very judiciously, trying to keep showers short and not wash too many loads of laundry through the fall. An area well driller said that he has been inundated with telephone calls from homeowners needing to have their wells made deeper or redrilled. The water table was low because rain has been relatively scarce. WTHI-TV 10 (Terre Haute, Ind.), Feb 20, 2024

The unseasonably dry weather in eastern Iowa prompted firefighters to warn the public against burning brush. The above normal temperatures and abundance of dry vegetation contributed to the unfavorable conditions for burning. No Iowa counties had an official burn ban, but burning was still unwise. KCRG (Cedar Rapids, Iowa), Feb 20, 2024

Dry weather continued with no significant rainfall expected and near-normal temperatures anticipated in the upcoming week. Most pastures were still in winter dormancy, but cool-season grasses and forbs were thriving. Overgrazed pastures were filled with annual winter forbs, including bluebonnets and wild mint. Conditions were expected to remain ideal for early spring planting for the rest of February. Oats and wheat looked good to excellent, and livestock markets held high to steady. Corn planting was set to start soon, and producers continued supplemental feeding their livestock and wildlife. Landowners were preparing to seed pastures. Rivers and creeks were noticeably elevated but not enough to fill dry creeks. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Feb 21, 2024 Moisture conditions persist in some parts of Southwest Texas, thanks to ongoing rainfall. The rain has maintained favorable pasture and rangeland conditions, ensuring the well-being of livestock. The fall and winter rains have been crucial in sustaining producers’ operations for the past few months. With good soil moisture, livestock feeding activities were ongoing. However, despite the green appearance of pastures, they remain short. Producers began preparing their fields for spring planting, and the outlook for wheat and oats was positive. Nighttime temperatures were cold, while daytime highs reached the mid-70s. Producers faced challenges as they diligently searched for and paid more for hay. Producers were urged to stay vigilant and make strategic decisions in light of the weather conditions to ensure the sustainability of their operations. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Feb 6, 2024

Rain fell across multiple counties in Southeast Texas, and warmer temperatures spurred ryegrass and clover growth. Moisture was good in the pastures, and producers started spraying fields and preparing for spring. Current rainfall replenished stock tanks and ponds. Rangeland and pasture ratings varied from excellent to poor. Livestock appeared to be in good body condition, and markets remained strong. Cattle held good condition as producers continued heavy supplemental feeding for their herds. Local markets opened with a need for all classes of calves and yearlings. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Feb 21, 2024 The arctic blast swept across Southeast Texas, delaying the production of winter pastures. Producers continued supplemental and hay feeding and busting ice to ensure access to water for their cattle herds. Surface water was extremely low and affected the production of crawfish producers. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Jan 23, 2024

Rain was scattered across West Central Texas, with some areas receiving over 2 inches. Temperatures were found in the lower 30s to lower 80s. Small grains were growing slowly. Wheat and oats were improving each week. Field preparation for spring crops began. Many stock tanks and ponds caught water from the recent rain, but more was needed to replenish it fully. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Feb 21, 2024 Rain fell over West Central Texas, allowing soil moisture to increase and be in good condition. The rain and warmer temperatures allowed small grain fields to improve. Wheat looked good and started creating good grazing for livestock. Rain was still needed to fill ponds for livestock water supplies. Although pastures and rangelands were greening up, producers continued heavy supplemental feeding for their herds. Cattle prices at local sale barns continued to rise, and cattle were holding good body condition. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Feb 6, 2024 Light snow and rain were scattered across the district and accompanied by frigid temperatures, with three days below freezing. Soil conditions remained steady, but moisture was appreciated as it was received. Small grain fields were set back due to the freezing conditions. Wheat and oat pastures were struggling and in dire need of rain for cool-season annuals and native grasslands. The polar vortex challenged livestock producers who were feeding and busting ice for their livestock. Supplemental and hay feeding increased in response to the cold weather. Despite the freezing temperatures, cattle and wildlife were in decent condition. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Jan 23, 2024

Cool, cloudy conditions were prevalent across Far West Texas. Daytime highs were reported in the mid-70s, and nighttime lows in the mid-20s. Conditions remain very dry and hard. A cold front moved through the area over the weekend, followed by seasonally warmer temperatures. Producers prepared the ground to plant and started drip irrigation for cotton and alfalfa. Wheat was growing and preparing to bloom. Cotton and milo production was expected to be lower than average. Livestock and beef cattle producers continued supplemental feeding regimens as rangeland conditions continued to deteriorate due to lack of moisture. Kidding season continued for goats and lambs. A few small-scale wildfires were reported as winds were high and conditions continued warming up. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Feb 21, 2024 Temperatures in Far West Texas averaged highs of 70 with overnight lows in the upper 30s. The rain was in a narrow strip through the east-northeastern corner of the region. Tillage operations have continued for most growers this past week. Winter wheat was in fair condition due to moisture and warm weather. Underground moisture was non-existent. Many fields have yet to germinate. Many producers were questioning whether to turn irrigation wells on this season. Moisture improved minor grain conditions. Pecan harvest continued to be slower than anticipated, although most orchards were previously harvested. Ground preparation continued for the upcoming season; it’s anticipated acreage will be up due to the water supply from Elephant Butte Reservoir. Livestock were in fair condition. Lambing and kidding season began. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Feb 6, 2024 Temperatures in Far West Texas remain below average, with nighttime temperatures dropping below 20 degrees and daytime temperatures rising to the mid-40s. The district received a slight mist and little precipitation. The strong winter storm that affected much of the state had only a brief hold on the Big Bend region, with temperatures dropping into the single digits overnight. Rangeland conditions remained steady, and soil moisture remained short to adequate. The grass was dormant, and pastures remained extremely bare except for a few winter weeds, which livestock consumed quickly. Livestock were in fair condition as producers continued supplemental and hay feeding and ensured they had access to water. Cotton has been harvested and most pecans have been harvested, although some pecan orchards were late harvesting. Ground preparation was in progress. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Jan 23, 2024

As much as 4 inches of wet snow swept across different areas of the Texas Panhandle. The response from wheat growth was evident as soon as soil temperatures began to increase. Producers started some pre-plant tillage for summer crops. Daytime temperatures gradually increased. However, additional moisture was needed to replenish the upper soil moisture profile, especially in fields planted with small grains, cover crops, or improved and native grass pastures. Supplemental feeding continued for cattle on range. Overall, soil conditions were reported from adequate to short. Pasture and rangelands were reported to be fair to very poor. Winter wheat was reported as good to fair. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Feb 21, 2024 The Texas Panhandle remained very dry. The weather modified, with some temperatures reaching the 70s but still no substantial moisture. Stocker cattle have been moved because of limited pasture. Supplemental feeding continued for cattle on pastures and rangelands. Overall, soil conditions were reported from adequate to very short. Pasture and rangelands were reported to be fair to very poor. Winter wheat was reported as fair to poor. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Feb 6, 2024 The Panhandle region remained extremely dry. Temperatures were in the single digits, with the wind chill below zero. There was no farming activity. The cold weather increased the amount of supplemental cattle feeding to help maintain body condition and meet energy requirements. Labor increased as ice had to be broken on tanks to supply water to cattle. Overall, soil conditions were reported as ranging from adequate to very poor. Pasture and rangelands were reported to be fair to very poor. Winter wheat was reported as fair to poor. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Jan 23, 2024

Wind and sunshine dominated in Central Texas and began to dry out the wet soil conditions. Winter pastures, specifically ryegrass, started to grow well. Planted winter pastures were good and grazed. Stock tank levels were full, for the most part, but additional rain and runoff were needed to help drought conditions. Weeds emerged. Several wheat fields needed to be top-dressed before corn planting. Wheat continued to grow well, even with excessive moisture. Rust was beginning to show in light occurrences, and Hessian flies continued to be a concern. Cattle remained in good body condition, with producers feeding hay and other supplements. Weaned cattle were pulled. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Feb 21, 2024 Although some regions of Central Texas experienced rainfall, it hasn’t been widespread enough to bring the entire district out of drought. Some stock tanks were filling, but lake levels were still low. If lakes do not catch some significant rainfall by summer, there will be little to no irrigation this year. Warmer temperatures and good soil moisture were improving pastures and small grains. Winter pastures were starting to develop. Many producers had limited access to begin fieldwork in wet conditions, but they were getting planters ready for corn planting when the fields dried up. Wheat and oats were being grazed. Cattle producers were busy feeding hay and other supplements to maintain good body condition in their herd. Cattle prices were in good to fair condition, and calving season had started. There were reports that Hessian fly continued to be identified in some wheat fields. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Feb 6, 2024 Central Texas experienced consistent below-freezing temperatures, but most counties also received adequate rain, providing some drought relief. A few counties reported needing additional rain to relieve extreme drought conditions and replenish stock tanks and natural bodies of water. Native pastures were in fair condition, with some counties reporting a die-off of various weeds and trees due to extreme temperatures. There were some reports of prolific weed pressure in neglected pastures. Fieldwork halted due to freezing temperatures but was quickly back underway when the weather permitted. Wheat and oats were considered good quality, although growth has slowed, and producers expected to see some freeze damage. The carinata crop planted in early fall and into December was substantially freeze-damaged and not expected to survive. Hessian fly larvae continued to be observed in wheat varieties. Supplemental feeding was being carried out for all classes of livestock, and livestock were in fair condition. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Jan 23, 2024

To continue to draw water from Lake Travis, the Cedar Park City Council approved the construction and recommissioning of a temporary floating raw water intake system. Community Impact - Austin (Texas), Feb 9, 2024

Years of drought in Oregon have led to reductions in irrigation water for growers relying on the Deschutes River. The North Unit Irrigation District in Jefferson County, for example, has had less than 50% of full water allotments for the past four years. Consequently, farmers have planted fewer crops, and cattle ranchers have had to buy more grain or feed for lack of water for pastures. A rancher near Madras sold more than 40% of his 5,000 cattle because his rangeland could not support the livestock as it used to do. Some farmers have even considered leaving the industry. Oregon Public Broadcasting (Portland), Feb 13, 2024