http://droughtreporter.unl.edu/

v 2.4.3.0

A recent cold front in the Coastal Bend dropped temperatures into the 40s in some areas. Some areas received as much as 1 inch of rainfall. The rain was helpful, and improved soil moisture levels, but topsoil conditions remained dry in most areas. Windy conditions blew a lot of soil in corn and sorghum fields. Rain during the previous week was followed by some cotton planting. Wheat was maturing but appeared to be short and stressed due to lack of moisture. Rice fields were planted, and up to 30% complete in some areas. Corn planting was complete, and plants were emerging. Forage producers were controlling weeds in their fields. Warm-season perennial pasture grasses continued to green up but needed more moisture to encourage growth. Pasture conditions continued to suffer and desperately need a rain event. Hay was still in short supply and in the $100 per bale range. Livestock were finding good green growth to consume if pastures were not overgrazed. Local cattle prices remained at historic highs. Smaller inventories were leading to sell-offs of mature cows. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), March 28, 2023 Planters were active amid warmer, drier conditions. Lack of soil moisture was becoming a problem for crop fields and pastures after starting the year in great shape. Soil moisture levels declined quickly with the 80-plus-degree sunny days and moderate wind. Most cotton producers were waiting for moisture to plant. Most corn planting was complete, and fields were emerging. Some fields were showing good stands and were reaching the V3 and V5 growth stages. Sorghum plantings were completed in most areas. Concerns regarding a lack of moisture were delaying sorghum planting in some areas. Rice planting continued and was advancing quickly. Hay continued to be in high demand and in short supply. Cattle prices remained steady to above average at most markets, while one county had historically high cattle prices. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), March 14, 2023 Topsoil moisture throughout the district decreased significantly due to warmer, windy weather. Subsoil moisture levels were short in some areas but remained too wet to plant in other areas. Corn and grain sorghum were planted as moisture allowed. Most pastures continued to see new growth of grasses and clover as temperatures and sunny days increased. As a result, hay consumption slowed. Livestock producers continued supplementing protein and limited hay. Some spring calves were born, and livestock remained in good condition. Cattle prices were steady to above average for this time of year. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Feb 28, 2023 The soil dried out rapidly due to the warmer conditions and drier weather in the Coastal Bend. A few areas still had water standing in the fields. Fieldwork increased given the drier conditions. Producers began planting corn and grain sorghum or fertilizing fields to prepare for planting. Rangeland and pasture conditions improved. Grass growth was expected to pick up with warmer temperatures and good moisture. Livestock producers continued supplementing animal diets with hay and protein, but feedings were tapering off as grazing conditions improved. Livestock remained in good condition, and some cows were starting to calve. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Feb 22, 2023 Most of Coastal Bend received rainfall, which ranged from drizzle to heavy rains. Soils remained saturated with good subsoil moisture. Pastures remained mostly dormant, and livestock producers fed hay and protein. Extra supplemental feeding was still necessary as hay remained in short supply. AgriLife (Texas A&M) (College Station, Texas), Feb 14, 2023