http://droughtreporter.unl.edu/

v 2.4.3.0

Conditions were improving overall in the Rolling Plains, but some areas remained very dry. Some areas received up to 2 inches of rainfall, but some storms did produce large hail. Soil moisture levels were in good shape in some areas headed into spring, but blowing sand was a problem for some cotton farmers. Light freezes occurred, but no damage to the fruit crops were reported. Peach trees were at 50%-75% in-bloom stage. Wheat and oats were being heavily grazed. Winter wheat continued to look very poor in drier areas and good to excellent in areas with moisture with some armyworms and aphids reported in fields. Pastures looked very good and were greening up nicely. Cool-season grasses were taking off and warm-season forages were beginning to break dormancy. Stocker cattle appeared to be in very good condition with plenty of wheat to graze. Livestock diets were being supplemented in some areas. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), March 28, 2023 Many parts of the Rolling Plains received scattered heavy rains that delivered up to 4 inches, while other areas received only trace amounts. Most areas reported needing more rain. Wheat conditions were poor to excellent. Most stocker cattle remained on wheat fields and other winter forage annuals, with good grazing reported in most areas. Supplemental feeding of cattle continued in many areas. Cattle looked “rough,” according to one report and fair to good in most areas. Water levels in tanks were improving. Rangeland and pasture conditions should improve following rains. Winter wheat received much-needed moisture. Farmers started to list wheat fields to prepare them for cotton. Corn and sorghum fields were ready to plant. Fruit trees were starting to bloom. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), March 14, 2023 Light rain was reported in some parts of the Rolling Plains. Rain amounts ranged from a trace up to 2 inches. Soil moisture was improving in parts of the district, but many areas remained very short to short. Wildfire danger remained a concern in many areas. Winter wheat was starting to grow, and most fertilized fields with adequate moisture looked good to excellent and should be grazed soon. Some wheat fields were in poor condition or showing moisture stress. Producers were top-dressing wheat fields. Some other fieldwork occurred where there was adequate moisture. Rangeland and pasture conditions were poor. Ranchers continued to feed cattle hay and supplements. Some water tanks caught runoff water. Most herds had been culled deeper than usual. Producers applied preemergent herbicides to pastures. Soil erosion due to drought and high winds was reported. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Feb 28, 2023 A round of rain moved through the Rolling Plains, providing trace amounts up to more than 1 inch of moisture to parts of the district. Wheat was starting to grow with some warmer temperatures, but grass and pastures remained dormant. Wheat conditions were poor to fair but improving. There was very little farming activity. Cattle were being fed cake and minerals, and some were being turned out on wheat pastures. Cattle were looking better and chasing green winter grasses. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Feb 22, 2023 Some parts of the Rolling Plains received additional rains with some counties reporting up to 1.5 inches. Wheat continued to improve with the recent moisture, but more precipitation will be needed to continue the progress. Rangeland and pasture conditions were improving and warmer days in the forecast should help. Wheat conditions improved dramatically in some areas, especially in fields fertilized before the rains. Winter supplemental feeding continued for livestock, but some producers were grazing wheat. Pasture grasses were also perking up following the moisture improvements. Hay was in short supply. Cattle body conditions were fair, but heavy rations of feed were needed to maintain their condition. Cows nursing calves were showing body condition declines. AgriLife (Texas A&M) (College Station, Texas), Feb 14, 2023