1 year 4 months ago
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
1 year 4 months ago
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
1 year 4 months ago
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
1 year 4 months ago
SPC 0100Z Day 1 Outlook
Day 1 Convective Outlook RESENT 1
NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
0824 PM CDT Thu May 02 2024
Valid 030100Z - 031200Z
...THERE IS AN ENHANCED RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS FROM WESTERN
NORTH TEXAS/THE BIG COUNTRY SOUTH TO THE CONCHO VALLEY AREA...
...SUMMARY...
Widely scattered to isolated severe storms will continue this
evening, primarily from western North Texas into the Concho
Valley/central Texas area.
...Parts of northern and central Texas...
While isolated strong storms -- a few possibly/occasionally reaching
severe levels -- remain possible from Oklahoma northeastward to the
southern Upper Great Lakes region in the vicinity of the cold
frontal zone, the greatest severe risk will remain across portions
of northern and central Texas.
A handful of severe/supercell storms are ongoing from western North
Texas south to the Concho Valley, with a warm sector bounded by a
cold front on the northern fringe, and a dryline on the west. While
noted veering of the flow with height exists across this area,
magnitude of the flow remains somewhat limited. Still, given the
strongly unstable airmass (mixed-layer CAPE near 3500 J/kg), the
CAPE/shear combination will continue to favor organized/supercell
storms over the next few hours. Eventually, some upscale growth of
convection may occur, though an only modest low-level jet expected
to evolve this evening may preclude development of a well-organized
MCS. In the meantime, very large hail and locally damaging wind
gusts remain possible, along with a tornado or two.
..Goss.. 05/03/2024
Read more1 year 4 months ago
SPC 0100Z Day 1 Outlook
Day 1 Convective Outlook RESENT 1
NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
0824 PM CDT Thu May 02 2024
Valid 030100Z - 031200Z
...THERE IS AN ENHANCED RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS FROM WESTERN
NORTH TEXAS/THE BIG COUNTRY SOUTH TO THE CONCHO VALLEY AREA...
...SUMMARY...
Widely scattered to isolated severe storms will continue this
evening, primarily from western North Texas into the Concho
Valley/central Texas area.
...Parts of northern and central Texas...
While isolated strong storms -- a few possibly/occasionally reaching
severe levels -- remain possible from Oklahoma northeastward to the
southern Upper Great Lakes region in the vicinity of the cold
frontal zone, the greatest severe risk will remain across portions
of northern and central Texas.
A handful of severe/supercell storms are ongoing from western North
Texas south to the Concho Valley, with a warm sector bounded by a
cold front on the northern fringe, and a dryline on the west. While
noted veering of the flow with height exists across this area,
magnitude of the flow remains somewhat limited. Still, given the
strongly unstable airmass (mixed-layer CAPE near 3500 J/kg), the
CAPE/shear combination will continue to favor organized/supercell
storms over the next few hours. Eventually, some upscale growth of
convection may occur, though an only modest low-level jet expected
to evolve this evening may preclude development of a well-organized
MCS. In the meantime, very large hail and locally damaging wind
gusts remain possible, along with a tornado or two.
..Goss.. 05/03/2024
Read more1 year 4 months ago
SPC 0100Z Day 1 Outlook
Day 1 Convective Outlook RESENT 1
NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
0824 PM CDT Thu May 02 2024
Valid 030100Z - 031200Z
...THERE IS AN ENHANCED RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS FROM WESTERN
NORTH TEXAS/THE BIG COUNTRY SOUTH TO THE CONCHO VALLEY AREA...
...SUMMARY...
Widely scattered to isolated severe storms will continue this
evening, primarily from western North Texas into the Concho
Valley/central Texas area.
...Parts of northern and central Texas...
While isolated strong storms -- a few possibly/occasionally reaching
severe levels -- remain possible from Oklahoma northeastward to the
southern Upper Great Lakes region in the vicinity of the cold
frontal zone, the greatest severe risk will remain across portions
of northern and central Texas.
A handful of severe/supercell storms are ongoing from western North
Texas south to the Concho Valley, with a warm sector bounded by a
cold front on the northern fringe, and a dryline on the west. While
noted veering of the flow with height exists across this area,
magnitude of the flow remains somewhat limited. Still, given the
strongly unstable airmass (mixed-layer CAPE near 3500 J/kg), the
CAPE/shear combination will continue to favor organized/supercell
storms over the next few hours. Eventually, some upscale growth of
convection may occur, though an only modest low-level jet expected
to evolve this evening may preclude development of a well-organized
MCS. In the meantime, very large hail and locally damaging wind
gusts remain possible, along with a tornado or two.
..Goss.. 05/03/2024
Read more1 year 4 months ago
SPC 0100Z Day 1 Outlook
Day 1 Convective Outlook RESENT 1
NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
0824 PM CDT Thu May 02 2024
Valid 030100Z - 031200Z
...THERE IS AN ENHANCED RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS FROM WESTERN
NORTH TEXAS/THE BIG COUNTRY SOUTH TO THE CONCHO VALLEY AREA...
...SUMMARY...
Widely scattered to isolated severe storms will continue this
evening, primarily from western North Texas into the Concho
Valley/central Texas area.
...Parts of northern and central Texas...
While isolated strong storms -- a few possibly/occasionally reaching
severe levels -- remain possible from Oklahoma northeastward to the
southern Upper Great Lakes region in the vicinity of the cold
frontal zone, the greatest severe risk will remain across portions
of northern and central Texas.
A handful of severe/supercell storms are ongoing from western North
Texas south to the Concho Valley, with a warm sector bounded by a
cold front on the northern fringe, and a dryline on the west. While
noted veering of the flow with height exists across this area,
magnitude of the flow remains somewhat limited. Still, given the
strongly unstable airmass (mixed-layer CAPE near 3500 J/kg), the
CAPE/shear combination will continue to favor organized/supercell
storms over the next few hours. Eventually, some upscale growth of
convection may occur, though an only modest low-level jet expected
to evolve this evening may preclude development of a well-organized
MCS. In the meantime, very large hail and locally damaging wind
gusts remain possible, along with a tornado or two.
..Goss.. 05/03/2024
Read more1 year 4 months ago
SPC 0100Z Day 1 Outlook
Day 1 Convective Outlook RESENT 1
NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
0824 PM CDT Thu May 02 2024
Valid 030100Z - 031200Z
...THERE IS AN ENHANCED RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS FROM WESTERN
NORTH TEXAS/THE BIG COUNTRY SOUTH TO THE CONCHO VALLEY AREA...
...SUMMARY...
Widely scattered to isolated severe storms will continue this
evening, primarily from western North Texas into the Concho
Valley/central Texas area.
...Parts of northern and central Texas...
While isolated strong storms -- a few possibly/occasionally reaching
severe levels -- remain possible from Oklahoma northeastward to the
southern Upper Great Lakes region in the vicinity of the cold
frontal zone, the greatest severe risk will remain across portions
of northern and central Texas.
A handful of severe/supercell storms are ongoing from western North
Texas south to the Concho Valley, with a warm sector bounded by a
cold front on the northern fringe, and a dryline on the west. While
noted veering of the flow with height exists across this area,
magnitude of the flow remains somewhat limited. Still, given the
strongly unstable airmass (mixed-layer CAPE near 3500 J/kg), the
CAPE/shear combination will continue to favor organized/supercell
storms over the next few hours. Eventually, some upscale growth of
convection may occur, though an only modest low-level jet expected
to evolve this evening may preclude development of a well-organized
MCS. In the meantime, very large hail and locally damaging wind
gusts remain possible, along with a tornado or two.
..Goss.. 05/03/2024
Read more1 year 4 months ago
SPC 0100Z Day 1 Outlook
Day 1 Convective Outlook RESENT 1
NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
0824 PM CDT Thu May 02 2024
Valid 030100Z - 031200Z
...THERE IS AN ENHANCED RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS FROM WESTERN
NORTH TEXAS/THE BIG COUNTRY SOUTH TO THE CONCHO VALLEY AREA...
...SUMMARY...
Widely scattered to isolated severe storms will continue this
evening, primarily from western North Texas into the Concho
Valley/central Texas area.
...Parts of northern and central Texas...
While isolated strong storms -- a few possibly/occasionally reaching
severe levels -- remain possible from Oklahoma northeastward to the
southern Upper Great Lakes region in the vicinity of the cold
frontal zone, the greatest severe risk will remain across portions
of northern and central Texas.
A handful of severe/supercell storms are ongoing from western North
Texas south to the Concho Valley, with a warm sector bounded by a
cold front on the northern fringe, and a dryline on the west. While
noted veering of the flow with height exists across this area,
magnitude of the flow remains somewhat limited. Still, given the
strongly unstable airmass (mixed-layer CAPE near 3500 J/kg), the
CAPE/shear combination will continue to favor organized/supercell
storms over the next few hours. Eventually, some upscale growth of
convection may occur, though an only modest low-level jet expected
to evolve this evening may preclude development of a well-organized
MCS. In the meantime, very large hail and locally damaging wind
gusts remain possible, along with a tornado or two.
..Goss.. 05/03/2024
Read more1 year 4 months ago
SPC 0100Z Day 1 Outlook
Day 1 Convective Outlook RESENT 1
NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
0824 PM CDT Thu May 02 2024
Valid 030100Z - 031200Z
...THERE IS AN ENHANCED RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS FROM WESTERN
NORTH TEXAS/THE BIG COUNTRY SOUTH TO THE CONCHO VALLEY AREA...
...SUMMARY...
Widely scattered to isolated severe storms will continue this
evening, primarily from western North Texas into the Concho
Valley/central Texas area.
...Parts of northern and central Texas...
While isolated strong storms -- a few possibly/occasionally reaching
severe levels -- remain possible from Oklahoma northeastward to the
southern Upper Great Lakes region in the vicinity of the cold
frontal zone, the greatest severe risk will remain across portions
of northern and central Texas.
A handful of severe/supercell storms are ongoing from western North
Texas south to the Concho Valley, with a warm sector bounded by a
cold front on the northern fringe, and a dryline on the west. While
noted veering of the flow with height exists across this area,
magnitude of the flow remains somewhat limited. Still, given the
strongly unstable airmass (mixed-layer CAPE near 3500 J/kg), the
CAPE/shear combination will continue to favor organized/supercell
storms over the next few hours. Eventually, some upscale growth of
convection may occur, though an only modest low-level jet expected
to evolve this evening may preclude development of a well-organized
MCS. In the meantime, very large hail and locally damaging wind
gusts remain possible, along with a tornado or two.
..Goss.. 05/03/2024
Read more1 year 4 months ago
MD 0608 CONCERNING SEVERE POTENTIAL...WATCH UNLIKELY FOR CENTRAL/SOUTH-CENTRAL OK
Mesoscale Discussion 0608
NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
0608 PM CDT Thu May 02 2024
Areas affected...Central/South-Central OK
Concerning...Severe potential...Watch unlikely
Valid 022308Z - 030115Z
Probability of Watch Issuance...20 percent
SUMMARY...Isolated large hail up to 1" in diameter is possible
across portion of central and south-central Oklahoma this evening.
DISCUSSION...Recent radar and visible satellite imagery has shown
some modest increase in both thunderstorm coverage and intensity
over central OK during the past half hour or so, some of which
occurred along the cold front and some of which developed to the
southeast of a weak frontal low. The air mass is uncapped and
moderately buoyant, so some additional thunderstorm development is
anticipated across the region as the cold front slowly pushes
southward/southeastward. A predominately multicellular mode is
anticipated but moderate vertical shear (i.e. around 35-40 kt of
effective bulk shear) is in place across the region, which should be
sufficient for a few more organized storm structures. Consequently,
some isolated hail up to 1" in diameter appears possible this
evening with any of the more mature/organized storms. Overall severe
coverage is expected to remain isolated, likely precluding the need
for a watch. However, convective trends across the region are being
monitored closely.
..Mosier/Guyer.. 05/02/2024
...Please see www.spc.noaa.gov for graphic product...
ATTN...WFO...TSA...OUN...
LAT...LON 35189897 36029774 35949629 34659634 34069708 34179834
34519901 35189897
Read more1 year 4 months ago
MD 0608 CONCERNING SEVERE POTENTIAL...WATCH UNLIKELY FOR CENTRAL/SOUTH-CENTRAL OK
Mesoscale Discussion 0608
NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
0608 PM CDT Thu May 02 2024
Areas affected...Central/South-Central OK
Concerning...Severe potential...Watch unlikely
Valid 022308Z - 030115Z
Probability of Watch Issuance...20 percent
SUMMARY...Isolated large hail up to 1" in diameter is possible
across portion of central and south-central Oklahoma this evening.
DISCUSSION...Recent radar and visible satellite imagery has shown
some modest increase in both thunderstorm coverage and intensity
over central OK during the past half hour or so, some of which
occurred along the cold front and some of which developed to the
southeast of a weak frontal low. The air mass is uncapped and
moderately buoyant, so some additional thunderstorm development is
anticipated across the region as the cold front slowly pushes
southward/southeastward. A predominately multicellular mode is
anticipated but moderate vertical shear (i.e. around 35-40 kt of
effective bulk shear) is in place across the region, which should be
sufficient for a few more organized storm structures. Consequently,
some isolated hail up to 1" in diameter appears possible this
evening with any of the more mature/organized storms. Overall severe
coverage is expected to remain isolated, likely precluding the need
for a watch. However, convective trends across the region are being
monitored closely.
..Mosier/Guyer.. 05/02/2024
...Please see www.spc.noaa.gov for graphic product...
ATTN...WFO...TSA...OUN...
LAT...LON 35189897 36029774 35949629 34659634 34069708 34179834
34519901 35189897
Read more1 year 4 months ago
MD 0607 CONCERNING SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH 177... FOR NORTHWEST TX INTO SOUTHWEST TX INTO THE TX HILL COUNTRY
Mesoscale Discussion 0607
NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
0535 PM CDT Thu May 02 2024
Areas affected...Northwest TX into Southwest TX into the TX Hill
Country
Concerning...Severe Thunderstorm Watch 177...
Valid 022235Z - 030000Z
The severe weather threat for Severe Thunderstorm Watch 177
continues.
SUMMARY...Supercells capable of very large hail up to 2-3" in
diameter and gusts up to 75 mph remain possible. Additional
development is possible over the Texas Hill Country and trends will
be monitored for additional watch issuance.
DISCUSSION...Regional radar imagery depicts two mature supercells,
one in King County and the other farther south in Runnels County.
Visible satellite imagery reveals several attempts at additional
development between these two mature storms. Environmental
conditions support supercells and the general expectation is for the
newer development to mature. Primary severe risk with these storms
is very large hail around 2" to 3" in diameter. A few damaging gusts
up to 75 mph are possible as well.
Farther south (from southwest TX into the TX Hill Country), cumulus
has been gradually deepening, although convective
initiation/lightning has not been realized. The mesoscale
environment in this area will be influenced by a westward-moving
outflow boundary, which could provide the additional lift needed for
convective initiation. Large to very hail is possible with new
updrafts. However, cooler temperatures behind the outflow could act
as a deterrent for sustained development, and the overall
longevity/severity of this newer development is uncertain. Some
initiation is possible south of Severe Thunderstorm Watch 177, and
convective trends will be monitored closely in this area for
additional watch issuance.
..Mosier/Guyer.. 05/02/2024
...Please see www.spc.noaa.gov for graphic product...
ATTN...WFO...FWD...OUN...EWX...SJT...LUB...
LAT...LON 30330071 31780037 33900003 33529859 29369895 28799982
29350051 30330071
Read more
