http://droughtreporter.unl.edu/

v 2.4.3.0

Unseasonably hot weather with strong winds in the Coastal Bend continued to deplete topsoil moisture. All field crops needed moisture. A considerable amount of cotton failed, but it was too early to know the full extent. Rangeland and pasture conditions worsened, and livestock conditions declined. Producers began to decrease their herds and pulled calves ahead of schedule. Hay supplies were getting low, and supplemental feeding was still necessary. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), May 10, 2022 Moderate to severe drought and windy conditions continued in the Coastal Bend. Corn and grain sorghum were stressed but looked fair. Most soybean acres were planted, except fields with insufficient moisture. If some areas do not receive rain in the next seven to 10 days, crop failures were expected. Rangeland and pasture conditions were declining. Hay fields were not growing due to lack of moisture. Some livestock producers were culling and reducing stocking rates. Livestock were being fed supplements and hay. Higher cattle sale volumes could begin if rain does not materialize soon. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), April 26, 2022 Dry, windy conditions continued in the Coastal Bend, and soil moisture levels continued to decline. Corn was showing early signs of drought stress. Some sorghum plantings were emerging inconsistently, and thin stands were a concern. Cotton was coming up, but a lot of acres were planted dry. Pastures and rangelands continued to decline. Livestock were running short on available grazing. Most cattle producers were feeding hay and protein. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), April 19, 2022 Soil moisture conditions continued to be dry due to a lack of rain and high winds. Cotton was still being planted, and some fields had emerged where planted in moisture. Most field crops were beginning to show stress, especially in lighter soils. Pasture conditions were dry, and the available forage was poor quality. Livestock were still being fed hay and protein supplements as needed. Cattle were in fair to good condition, but were losing condition daily from lack of forage, especially the spring calves. Many producers were pulling fall calves earlier than normal due to declining conditions. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), April 12, 2022 The Coastal Bend was experiencing abnormally dry to moderate drought conditions. Some farmers were still delaying plantings, waiting on rainfall to build soil moisture. Most corn and sorghum had emerged and were doing well, but fields needed moisture. Most rangeland and pastures were in poor condition, but there were a few areas with good enough grazing to maintain livestock body conditions. Cattle producers were culling poor performers and open cows, and the livestock market was still good. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), April 5, 2022 High winds in the Coastal Bend coupled with low humidity continued to create a fire threat. Corn and most grain sorghum emerged but needed rain. Pastures were starting to green up in areas that received rain, but there was still not much growth. Livestock body conditions were declining, especially for cows with calves. Producers continued to supplement herds with protein and hay. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), March 29, 2022 Most areas had not received measurable rain in 45 days, but northern parts of the reporting area received a small amount of rain this past week. Crop planting was still in high gear despite dry conditions. Corn and sorghum were also being planted with some fields already emerged, but they needed moisture. Livestock pasture forages were getting short, and hay and protein feeding continued. Cattle remained in good condition with sale prices at very high levels. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), March 22, 2022 No significant rains were reported, and soil moisture levels were unseasonably low. Pastures and fields needed rain. Cold temperatures and dry conditions continued to delay the emergence of warm season grasses. Livestock producers were still feeding hay and protein as feed prices continued to rise. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), March 15, 2022 Soil moisture was short and beginning to be a concern in the Coastal Bend. Sorghum producers were having to plant deeper than normal to find moisture. Winter pastures needed significant rainfall to finish grazing and grain crops. Most hay producers were waiting to fertilize hay fields until there was increased soil moisture. Livestock were showing signs of declining body condition and were still being fed hay and protein. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), March 8, 2022 Rangeland and pasture conditions in the Coastal Bend continued to deteriorate with livestock showing signs of reduced nutrition. Hay feeding and protein supplements continued. AgriLife (College Station, Texas), March 2, 2022 Conditions were very dry and windy in the Coastal Bend. Wheat, oats and ryegrass were still alive, but rain will be needed soon. The feeding of hay and protein supplements continued. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Feb 24, 2022 Coastal Bend rangeland and pasture conditions continued to be poor. Supplemental feeding of livestock continued with hay and protein. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Feb 15, 2022 The Coastal Bend is dry, but rain is in the forecast. Dry conditions have hampered pasture growth, and producers were feeding hay and protein. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Feb 1, 2022