Drought

Extreme drought in Lancaster County prompted Lincoln officials to encourage residents to practice voluntary water conservation effective Friday, June 2 at 5 p.m. KLIN-AM (Lincoln, Neb.), June 1, 2023

Lawn watering was prohibited in Gibson City per an ordinance about water use during emergencies that restricts water use. Wells were not refilling enough without rain. WCIA (Champaign, Ill.), May 31, 2023

Cattle walking across the pasture in northeast Arkansas caused dust to rise. Ponds are down nearly 50%, according to a Sharp County farmer. KAIT Online (Jonesboro, Ark.), June 1, 2023

The City of Wichita is conserving water, and the public is encouraged to conserve also. Wichita has entered Stage 1 of its Codified Drought Response Plan as the level of Cheney Reservoir drops. Some of the measures that the city has taken to conserve water are reducing water on parkland and city-owned grassy areas, irrigating city golf courses with pond water, wells and using drought-resistant grasses, using gray water on trees, only cleaning city vehicles when necessary and using water efficient devices at city facilities. Water fountains will be running in Wichita during the Riverfest, but the fountains will be shut off after the festival ends. KWCH 12 (Wichita, Kan.), June 1, 2023

Wichita residents were asked to conserve water as Cheney Lake, their water supply, was at 80%. KAKE (Wichita, Kan.), April 14, 2023

Crops in central Pennsylvania were stressed and may be losing yield, due to below normal precipitation. An orchard in Mount Wolf was irrigating its cherry trees, a measure that usually isn’t needed until later in the summer. FOX 43 (York, Pa.), May 31, 2023

Some areas of the Central and Southern Plains, major livestock areas, continue to receive below normal rainfall. Pastures need more rain for adequate growth and grass production for cattle. Brownfield Ag News (Jefferson City, Mo.), May 30, 2023 Drought continues in major beef cattle areas of the US and is significantly affecting the cattle industry, despite drought easing in other parts of the country. Forage remains in demand in the central and southern Plains as drought lowers hay production. The U.S. average of poor to very poor pasture conditions in early May was 37%. The worst pasture conditions were found in Kansas (64%), Nebraska (68%), Oklahoma (54%) and Texas (52%). For the start of the hay crop year, May 1, U.S. hay stocks were down 13.4 percent year over year and were down 26.4 percent from the ten-year 2012-2021 average. Drought has lowered hay production in Texas, Nebraska, Kansas and Oklahoma. Delayed and limited pasture and hay growth in the central and southern Plains is likely still leading to some cattle liquidation. Total beef cow slaughter through April this year was down 11.2 percent from last year’s high level. Some additional herd liquidation is likely still happening in the worst drought areas, but it may be less apparent due to reduced beef cow slaughter in drought-free areas. Farm Progress (St. Charles, Ill.), May 15, 2023

Some farmers in eastern Nebraska opted to irrigate as spring rains failed to bring moisture, driving up expenses and cutting into profits. NewsChannel Nebraska (Grand Island, Neb.), May 30, 2023

River birch trees in the Columbus area have died from the top down, due to drought in combination with heat and high winds in the past year. Younger trees with less established root systems, trees planted too deep, those with girdling roots or mower or weed trimmer injury on the trunk, and trees that have not received correct supplemental watering the last two years may have dieback or dead branches. Other trees with certain issues may also have dieback or dead branches, such as younger trees with less established root systems, trees planted too deep, those with girdling roots or mower or weed trimmer injury on the trunk, and trees that have not received correct supplemental watering the last two years. The Columbus Telegram (Neb.), May 27, 2023

Rainfall eased drought in the New Braunfels area, allowing the city to move from Stage 3 drought restrictions to Stage 2 on May 29. The 10-day average water level for the J17 Edwards Aquifer monitoring well has improved, and the 10-day average spring flow for the Comal Springs has increased to or exceeded 150 cubic feet per second and stayed there for at least 15 days. Community Impact – Austin (Texas), May 30, 2023 Stage 3 water restrictions began in New Braunfels on June 21, New Braunfels Utilities announced on June 20. The Comal Spring flow is falling and is jeopardizing the natural habitat of endangered species and natural resources. Communities downstream also rely on water from the Comal and San Marcos Springs. At the present rate of decline and without rain, the Comal Springs could stop flowing in two to three weeks. KENS 5 (San Antonio, Texas), June 20, 2022

Low lake levels and drought conditions led the city of Guthrie to not open the municipal pool at Highland Park. Splash pads will only be operational Fridays through Sundays, although they are typically running daily under normal conditions. KOKH FOX 25 (Oklahoma City, Okla.), May 26, 2023

Low lake levels and drought conditions led the city of Guthrie to not open the municipal pool at Highland Park. Splash pads will only be operational Fridays through Sundays, although they are typically running daily under normal conditions. KOKH FOX 25 (Oklahoma City, Okla.), May 26, 2023

Governor Tina Kotek made drought declarations for Sherman and Lake counties and directed state agencies to coordinate and prioritize assistance to the region. These two counties brought the total number of Oregon counties with declared drought emergencies to eight of the state’s 36 counties. The six other counties that already received declarations are Deschutes, Crook, Jefferson, Grant, Harney and Wasco. KTVZ-TV NewsChannel 21 (Redmond, Ore.), May 26, 2023

Governor Tina Kotek made drought declarations for Sherman and Lake counties and directed state agencies to coordinate and prioritize assistance to the region. These two counties brought the total number of Oregon counties with declared drought emergencies to eight of the state’s 36 counties. The six other counties that already received declarations are Deschutes, Crook, Jefferson, Grant, Harney and Wasco. KTVZ-TV NewsChannel 21 (Redmond, Ore.), May 26, 2023

Water demand exceeded the amount of water that could be pumped, which is more than one million gallons of water per day, according to the general manager of the Avoca Regional Water Plant. Water demand has been high, and customers were asked to conserve in March and reminded in April that conservation was not as high as needed. The system was under a boil water order and a mandatory nonessential water usage restriction. The regional water plant serves customers in Shelby, Audubon, Cass, Harrison, and northern Pottawattamie County. Radio Iowa (Des Moines), May 26, 2023

Water demand exceeded the amount of water that could be pumped, which is more than one million gallons of water per day, according to the general manager of the Avoca Regional Water Plant. Water demand has been high, and customers were asked to conserve in March and reminded in April that conservation was not as high as needed. The system was under a boil water order and a mandatory nonessential water usage restriction. The regional water plant serves customers in Shelby, Audubon, Cass, Harrison, and northern Pottawattamie County. Radio Iowa (Des Moines), May 26, 2023

Almost all counties in the Rolling Plains reported light to moderate rains for the week. Farming activities were limited in areas that experienced heavier rains. More rain will be needed to ensure good soil moisture going into cotton planting and to get warm-season grasses off to a good start. Rains delayed wheat harvest, but most producers looked as though they would get started soon. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), May 23, 2023 Scattered and spotty rain was reported in the Rolling Plains. Most areas received enough moisture to improve soil moisture, rangeland and pasture conditions, but more rain will be needed to sustain crop growth and prepare for cotton planting. Stocker calves were starting to be shipped off winter wheat grazing, and many counties were reporting wheat being cut for hay, as well as the first spring hay cutting. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), May 9, 2023 Conditions in the Rolling Plains of Texas continued to decline and were mostly hot, windy and dry. Temperatures were in the 90s. Some areas reported some rain, with up to half an inch reported. The soil moisture profile was still very short. With the lack of moisture and higher temperatures all crops were starting to get burned and showing signs of stunted growth. Range and pasture conditions also were on the decline. Cattle were chasing green winter grasses, which were offering decent grazing. Warm-season grasses were struggling due to lack of moisture and cool night temperatures. Farmers were getting worried about planting cotton due to dry conditions. Wheat looked poor in some areas and promising in others. Some wheat was cut for hay. Corn and sorghum looked decent. Tank water levels were low. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), April 25, 2023

Topsoil and subsoil conditions in South Texas were still adequate, but higher temperatures were starting to dry soils. Grain sorghum was coming along well and should begin heading soon. Corn was progressing well. Cotton, sesame and sunflowers were still being planted, and peanut planting was slowly starting. Some sunflower fields were in full bloom. Sorghum was showing signs of aphids and midge. Wheat harvest was delayed, and delays were expected to impact yields. Fertilizer and herbicide applications were ongoing in improved pastures. Strawberry harvest was moving along, but weather and temperatures were making it a challenge. However, the cooler temperatures have allowed plants to continue producing. Cattle prices continued to increase across all classes. Rangeland and pasture conditions were good to excellent. Livestock and wildlife were doing excellent, and ranchers were working cattle and selling the fall calf crop. Quail have paired up, and a few coveys with hatchlings were observed. Feral hogs were impacting crop production. Livestock and wildlife body conditions were improving. Sale volumes at one livestock market dropped from 922 sales to 428 with steady to higher prices for all classes of beef cattle. Hay grazer was growing rapidly and should be ready for baling in the coming weeks. Irrigation stopped on citrus and sugarcane for a few days due to the rainfall received. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), May 23, 2023 Coastal Bermuda grass fields in South Texas were producing hay bales. Local feed stores reported a significant decrease in hay prices. Rangeland and pasture ratings were improving in most areas, but overgrazed acres were slow to recover. Local beef cattle and livestock producers continued supplementation and have decreased their herds. Livestock body conditions were improving and culling slowed. Local livestock markets reported below-average volumes with steady to slightly higher prices for all beef cattle classes. Producers were busy working cattle. Cotton planting was completed, and peanut planting was underway. Corn and grain sorghum crops looked great, but the cotton crop was behind due to late planting and below-normal temperatures. About half the grain sorghum was headed and about half the corn crop was in the silking stage. Some grain corn and sorghum were laid over by winds but was expected to recover. A few farms were harvesting onions, and other crops like watermelons and cantaloupes were in good condition. Farmers were starting to irrigate their crops again. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), May 9, 2023 Wheat and oat crops continued to mature, and fields were being prepared for harvest in the coming weeks. Corn crops looked good and continued to develop, and some fields were tasseling. Cotton planting continued but should wrap up soon. Emerged cotton was weedy, and farmers were spraying. Cotton growth stages were from germination to full squaring in southern parts of the district. Grain sorghum looked good as well, but rice stink bugs and head worms were observed in fields along the Rio Grande River. A few fields had small numbers of sugarcane aphids. Peanut producers were active in fields preparing for planting. Crops and pastureland were steadily improving. Pecan orchards were already green and following the normal irrigation pattern. Most summer vegetables were planted, including watermelons and cantaloupes. The Coastal Bermuda grass hay was ready for a first cut. Livestock conditions were good, and supplemental feeding continued. Pasture and rangeland conditions were improving rapidly for cattle and wildlife. Beef cattle markets continued to see below-average sale volumes as strong selloffs occurred earlier in the year. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), April 25, 2023

Temperatures in Central Texas remained mild, and there was much-needed rain. The rainfall improved soil moisture levels that were short to adequate. Topsoil moisture levels were adequate for planting but too wet to run equipment in fields. More rain was in the forecast. Tanks were filling up but still needed runoff. Rivers and streams were flowing for the first time in a while. There was still a bit of cotton to plant and planted cotton was slow growing due to cool, wet conditions. Wheat and oat fields were mature; however, harvesting was very limited due to the moisture. Winter wheat was starting to die in the field. Some planted oats were grazed off. Corn and sorghum crops benefitted from the moisture and cooler weather patterns, but some producers noticed some corn chlorosis. Disease, insects and weed pressure were a big concern. The AgriLife Extension agent in Erath County received several calls about mesquite cutworms. Most peanuts were planted last week. Pecan growers started spraying for pecan nut casebearer. Pasture and rangeland conditions were fair to good. Areas that dried out enough got a good hay cutting in. Livestock were in good condition. Fly numbers were gradually increasing. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), May 23, 2023 Rain across Central Texas ranged from traces to 1.5 inches with spotty hail and high winds. Soil moisture levels were adequate to surplus. Pastures looked good and were improving. Producers were preparing for hay season. Runoff rainfall was still needed to fill some tank levels. Temperatures rose into the 90s toward the end of the week creating very humid conditions. Warm-season pasture growth was delayed with cooler overnight temperatures over recent weeks, but native and improved grasses were starting to respond well. Pasture and rangeland were very poor to excellent. Cattle were in good body condition and grazing cool-season pastures. Livestock fly numbers steadily increased with warmer temperatures. Crop conditions were good to excellent. Some hail damage to wheat, oats and corn was reported. Corn and sorghum crops were developing rapidly. There were some fertility deficiencies in corn with the wet conditions and lack of opportunity to top-dress nitrogen. Wheat was maturing but will need a few weeks before harvesting begins. Excess moisture was slowing cotton growth and delaying replanting. Forecasted rainfall was a concern for rapidly maturing wheat. Corn planting concluded. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), May 9, 2023 Some Central Texas counties received beneficial rainfall while others saw very little to none. Soil moisture levels were adequate to surplus. Two lakes in the district received some runoff and water levels have increased slightly, but most stock tanks were still not full. Recent heavy rainfalls over eastern parts of the district allowed cotton planting into good moisture. There was hail and rain damage to about 5% of the corn and grain sorghum stands. Temperatures remained mild. The week started off warm, then turned cool with cold nights. Cold nights slowed corn growth. Green-up was delayed, and heavy winter weed growth was reported. Stock tanks were observed with abnormally high amounts of algae and other vegetation. Rust and armyworms below thresholds were observed in some wheat crops in one northern county. Wheat was mostly grazed out. Warm-season grasses were slow growing due to the cool evening temperatures, but the rainfall should help them as temperatures warm. Spring-planted oats have headed out, but very little. Producers were in the middle of planting cotton. Cotton needed warmer weather to break the soil and come up. Wheat crops were not turning, a result of crop fill and heavy feeding damage by Hessian fly pupae. Wheat leaf rust pressure continued to intensify under moderate temperatures and moisture. Corn and sorghum were developing very well. First hay cuttings continued, and forage volumes looked good. Pastures were being grazed, and supplemental feeding was declining. Fly numbers on livestock were elevated. Producers were doing spring cattle work. Rangeland and pasture conditions were poor to fair, and livestock were in good condition. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), April 25, 2023 Temperatures in Central Texas were mild with windy conditions. Southern counties received more rain than northern counties, with some southern counties receiving more than 3 inches of rainfall. The northern counties remained very dry with some reporting they are 16 inches below normal expected rainfall for the past year. Soil moisture levels were very short to adequate. Tanks were low and some were dry. One county may see river and lake irrigation cut off without rainfall to recharge water levels. Counties that received rain reported very little runoff. Rangeland and pasture ratings were poor to fair. Spring and summer grasses were coming out of dormancy along with most weeds. Weed pressure in untreated areas was above normal. Some tree damage was caused by high winds during storms in southern counties. There was minor hail damage to some crops as well. Zinc sprays on pecan trees were underway. Corn and sorghum planting was nearly finished, and producers were getting ready to start planting cotton. Warmer conditions and improving pasture conditions resulted in strong sheep, goat and cattle markets. Supplemental feeding was slowing gradually in some areas. Livestock were in good condition. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), April 11, 2023

The South Plains received light showers to heavy rains with totals from trace amounts to 4 inches. Recent rains improved conditions for planting, livestock tanks and pastures. Irrigated corn was emerging and looked good. A few farmers started planting cotton. Most cotton farmers were waiting to see how much rain was received over the next few days before making planting decisions. Cattle were still grazing wheat and oats. Some grass was available in areas that received significant rain over the past few weeks. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), May 23, 2023 Brief showers delivered up to 2 inches of rain to the South Plains. Much of the district was still in desperate need of more rain for a successful planting and growing season. Sunflowers were planted. Farmers were spraying wheat to get ready for cotton planting at the end of the month. Soil temperatures were around 59 degrees, and warmer soil temperatures were needed for cotton planting. Most producers were making plans to start planting cotton in the third week of May. Cattle were still on supplemental feeding as native grasses emerged. Livestock producers were also grazing a significant amount of CRP land because of the forage shortage. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), May 9, 2023 Some counties in the South Plains received up to a half inch of rain. Conditions remained dry. Wet and cooler weather was in the forecast. Weather conditions were cool and cloudy towards the end of the week. Some wheat fields were being cut for silage, and others were being grazed or will be bailed. A few corn planters were active. Other producers were preparing fields by applying pre-plant herbicides. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), April 25, 2023 Subsoil and topsoil moisture levels in the South Plains were still extremely low due to lack of rainfall and windy conditions in most counties. Winter wheat needed some rain. The district received a general rain of around 0.25-2 inches. Some areas received pea- to ping pong-sized hail. No damage was reported. The moisture should help grasses coming out of dormancy for grazing. Farmers were spraying in preparation of planting in the coming weeks. Many producers turned on their irrigation systems and the recent rains should help soil moisture. Producers were not making quick decisions on planting corn, cotton, sorghum or an alternative crop and expected to base their decisions on rainfall. Livestock were still receiving supplemental feed. Some producers have lost cattle, but most were in good condition. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), April 11, 2023