http://droughtreporter.unl.edu/

v 2.4.3.0

Very dry soil moisture conditions continued in Central Texas. Soil moisture levels were very short. Drought was exacerbated by the relentless heavy winds and warm temperatures. Wheat diseases were being held in check by the dry conditions. Some replanted corn was showing twisting and slow development due to soil dryness. Some cotton acres were not yet planted or needed replanting due to dry conditions, but activity will likely follow any decent rainfall. Pastures and winter grains were grazed down and increased supplemental feeding for livestock was reported. Overall crop, rangeland and pasture conditions were very poor to poor. Stock tanks were dropping. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), April 26, 2022 Nearly all counties in Central Texas reported very short soil moisture and warm, windy and dry conditions. Soil moisture continued to decline, and moisture deficits continued to expand. Cotton plantings slowed, but some replanting was done due to patchy germination under dry topsoil conditions. Some corn was replanted. Overall, crop growth was slowing due to dryness. Wheat was now mostly headed and into early flowering stage, and yields could be impacted if rainfall does not arrive soon. Stock tank levels declined substantially over the past few weeks, and algae was becoming more problematic with increasing temperatures. Livestock were still on feed as warm-season grasses were slow to develop in pastures. Overall, rangeland and pasture conditions were poor. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), April 19, 2022 Soil moisture levels were mostly very short. Windy conditions and above-normal temperatures with nearly zero precipitation were stressing the heading stage of winter wheat and corn. Pasture grasses were developing slowly under dry conditions. The heat, wind and dry conditions were holding disease off flag-leaf wheat, but some leaf rust and leaf stripe were seen in fields, mostly on the lower leaves. Cotton planting was being held up a bit until some precipitation improves topsoil. Overall, rangeland and pasture conditions were poor. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), April 12, 2022 Most counties in Central Texas reported short soil moisture levels. Several rangeland and pasture fires occurred. Corn fields emerged nicely given the dry conditions at planting. Limited acres of cotton were planted as most producers waited on moisture and better conditions. Cattle were still receiving supplemental feed. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), April 5, 2022 Soil moisture was very short in nearly all counties of Central Texas. Crop, rangeland and pasture conditions were poor in nearly all counties. Crops were in poor condition due to drought. Dryland wheat and oats were not doing well and may fail. Livestock were in fair condition and being supplemented with feed and hay. Fires were being reported daily. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), March 29, 2022 Dry conditions continued to dominate Central Texas. Soil moisture levels were very short in most counties. Strong winds brought concerns about fire conditions. Limited rain last week slowed planting down for a day, but future rain forecasts looked promising. Wheat was in good condition but could use some precipitation. Cattle remained in good condition with producers still feeding hay. Stock tanks were getting lower and lower with the limited rainfall and low runoff totals. Rangeland and pasture conditions were generally poor in most counties. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), March 22, 2022 Dry conditions continued in Central Texas with nearly all counties reporting short soil moisture levels. Wheat continued to hang on and looked better. Cattle remained in fair to good condition with producers continuing to feed hay, but winter forages were limited by drought. Producers were concerned about hay supplies if rains do not arrive to push forage growth. Stock tank levels continued to decline. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), March 15, 2022 Dry conditions persisted in Central Texas. More than half the district reported short soil moisture levels. Winter wheat and oats were not maturing or growing well due to drought. The prediction for a drier weather pattern and stronger cotton prices may shift some acres away from corn. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), March 8, 2022