Drought

Drought slowed the maturity of produce on an Eyota farm, so sales began later than usual. KIMT 3 (Rochester, Minn.), Aug 22, 2023

Some cattle producers in northeast Missouri began bucket feeding cows in late May and early June. Feeding the cattle concentrate is an added expense as producers aim to stretch the pasture. KHQA-TV ABC 7 (Quincy, Ill.), Aug 18, 2023

After an early, wet spring in the Northwoods of Wisconsin, the weather has been mainly dry, allowing reservoirs to fall. Boaters were warned to be cautious about potentially striking objects in the shallow water. WXPR-FM 91.7 Public Radio (Rhinelander, Wis.), Aug 22, 2023

Sartell officials implemented a temporary twice a week irrigation schedule for residents starting Aug. 21. The city has taken these steps under the recommendation of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. The aim was to maintain water levels and avoid extreme restrictions. KSTP-TV ABC 5 Minneapolis/St. Paul (Minn.), Aug 21, 2023

Accounts of cattle and small ruminants becoming ill and dying from possibly ingesting perilla mint continued to be reported to University of Missouri Extension specialists. Many healthy animals will not eat the plant unless there is no palatable feed available, according to a veterinarian toxicologist. Suspected cases of perilla mint poisoning have occurred in young doe goats in south central Missouri, and unconfirmed reports of cattle poisoning have also been received from the southwestern part of the state. AgUpdate (Tekamah, Neb.), Aug 22, 2023

Heat and drought in Jefferson Parish were causing the ground to shift, breaking water mains and damaging roads. Crews were trying to keep up with the need for street repairs. FOX 8 (New Orleans, La.), Aug 17, 2023

Drought has stunted sugar cane growth by more than 75%. Some growers have pumped water onto their sugar cane fields in an effort to salvage them. Vermilion Today (Abbeville, La.), Aug 16, 2023

Rain has been very scarce in Cherokee County in the past 30 days and was starting to affect agriculture. Milk and cream production were down at a dairy in Jacksonville. The cows only wanted to lay in the shade and didn’t want to get up and graze. Ponds were drying up. The local fire department captain urged residents to be wise and not burn materials outdoors due to the heightened fire danger. There have been more grass and forest fires than usual. Pastors in many area churches were encouraging members to pray for drought relief. A garden center owner warned his customers that they may lose grass and shrubs this summer if the landscaping is not watered regularly. Jacksonville Daily Progress (Texas), Aug 15, 2023

Drought in Grant Parish shaved yields by at least 20% for irrigated corn and more than 30% for dryland corn. KALB-TV NBC 5 Alexandria (La.), Aug 17, 2023

Houston Public Works has noted a slight increase in water main breaks with about 300 pending water leaks, compared to the norm of less than 100. Many of the leaks were occurring in parts of Houston with older infrastructure. Houston Public Media (Texas), Aug 14, 2023

Heat and drought were taking a toll on crops in Jones County. WITN-TV NBC 7 Greenville (N.C.), Aug 14, 2023

Gov. Greg. Abbott issued a disaster declaration Friday, Aug. 11, across parts of Texas due to the wildfires that began on July 24. The wildfires pose an imminent threat of widespread or severe damage, injury, or loss of life or property in multiple counties across Texas. KENS 5 (San Antonio, Texas), Aug 11, 2023

The Mississippi Headwaters Watershed entered the drought warning phase as defined by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Statewide Drought Plan. Consequently, residents of Edina were asked to voluntarily reduce their water use outdoors. During the drought warning phase, summer water use should be limited to 50% above January levels. Hometown Source (Eden Prairie, Minn.), Aug 16, 2023

Lake Proctor has fallen below 1,150.1 feet, entering stage four – Pro Rata Curtailment, the worst drought category for the Brazos River Authority’s Drought Contingency Plan. The Upper Leon River Municipal Water District and agricultural irrigators get water from the lake. Big Country Homepage (Abilene, Texas), Aug 16, 2023

Wisconsin has had about 250 more wildfires than usual since the start of the year due to persistent drought, according to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. There have been 871 fires that have consumed nearly 4,400 acres to date, compared to the 10-year average of 614 fires and roughly 1,800 acres burned. Wisconsin Public Radio (Madison), Aug 11, 2023

Water was not flowing at Headwaters at the Comal. Water that used to be flowing and clear had become cloudy and filled with algae as extreme heat and drought depleted the flow. Fewer birds, butterflies and dragonflies can be found at the Headwaters riverside grassland ecosystem. Native grasses and plants were brown and dry. At Landa Lake, the Landa Lake Boathouse was closed early for the season due to low water levels. Launching boats was not safe. A burn ban was reinstated in early July and remained in effect. Open flames were prohibited. The extreme fire risk led the county to issue a disaster declaration due to the ongoing heat wave and intensifying drought conditions. New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung (Texas), Aug 14, 2023

Some fishing spots in Bell County have gone dry, due to drought, leaving fewer fishing opportunities. Winkler Park Campsite and Own Creek near Gatesville were dry. Lake Belton was 60% full, compared to 62% two weeks ago. The lake was at 77.7% at this time last year. KWTX TV 10 (Waco, Texas), Aug 16, 2023

The City of Lampasas entered Stage 4 Drought Response, or critical water shortage conditions, on Aug. 15, due to the low level of Stillhouse Hollow Reservoir. Lawn watering is permitted once weekly. Water may not be used to wash motor vehicles, except in the immediate interest of public health, safety and welfare. Pools may not be filled or refilled. KWTX-TV 10 News Waco (Texas), Aug 16, 2023

A Vermilion Parish rice farmer stated that he has kept the wells pumping for the past two and a half to three months since no rain has fallen. KATC (Lafayette, La.), Aug 16, 2023

Kittitas County residents were urged to conserve water amid ongoing drought. Water rights have been secured for junior groundwater uses associated with small-scale and individual well use, offering more security during droughts. KNDU-TV NBC 5 Kennewick (Wash.), Aug 16, 2023