http://droughtreporter.unl.edu/

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Topsoil and subsoil levels in Far West Texas ranged from very short to adequate. The south-central part of the region and into the higher elevations of the Davis Mountains experienced freezing temperatures and received up to 6 inches of snow. Temperatures this past week during the daytime were from the high 70s to low-80s, and nighttime temperatures were from mid-40s to mid-50s. Pasture conditions were good, but moisture conditions remained very low in some areas. The lower elevations needed rain to improve soil moisture and rangeland conditions. Growers were tilling to keep their ground from blowing. The average windspeed has been 5 mph above normal with three days averaging over 20 mph. All fields without cover crops and even some with cover crops were blown out. There was very limited moisture for the upcoming cotton season. Pre-watering continued but many growers were cutting back on acres to put more water on fewer acres. Corn planting began. Some new alfalfa fields were planted and being irrigated. Some alfalfa fields may experience some crust over which could potentially affect emergence. Irrigation continued for pecan orchards, and some bud break in a few orchards was reported. Overall pasture and rangeland conditions were very poor to poor with a few areas reporting fair conditions. Pastures remained completely bare of all but brush. Livestock were mostly healthy, but producers were moving their stock around more often and spending more on feeding cattle. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), March 28, 2023 Counties in southeastern parts of Far West Texas experienced scattered thunderstorms with occasional drizzled rainfall for three days. The moisture should improve soil moisture levels and rangeland and pasture conditions. The rest of the district experienced a higher dewpoint, but no measurable rainfall was reported. A few windy days were reported. Topsoil and subsoil moisture levels were very short to adequate, though most areas were short on moisture. Most producers were preparing fields and drip irrigation lines for planting. Pre-irrigation continued for cotton fields in the Rio Grande Valley. Some alfalfa was planted. Most pecan orchards around El Paso were being irrigated with effluent water from the city while others used private wells or had not irrigated. Mesquite and trees in town were starting to bloom. Spring weeds were emerging. Reports indicate that snowpacks in Colorado and New Mexico may not be enough to bring water levels out of drought. Pasture and rangeland conditions were very poor to fair, and supplemental livestock feeding continued. Livestock were in fair condition. Brush was becoming a problem for ranchers. Buzzard sightings were up. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), March 14, 2023 Extremely windy conditions persisted in Far West Texas, bringing a high risk of wildfire. Gusts of 40-80 mph were reported. Temperatures were in the mid-60s to mid-70s during the day and mid-30s to mid-40s overnight. A small rain shower delivered trace amounts of precipitation. The rain was the first moisture in a month and brought the 2023 total to 0.33 of an inch. The wheat crop declined very rapidly, and only irrigated fields were expected to be harvested. Remaining wheat was approaching bunt stage and will be heading out in the next few weeks. Most field work was slowing down. Preplant irrigation increased for many growers. Producers may decrease acres so they can provide more water to planted crops. Some growers said they will not irrigate unless substantial moisture arrives soon. Corn and sorghum planting was scheduled to begin in the next few weeks. Pasture and rangeland conditions were dry and hard. Cattle numbers were extremely low and remained in poor to fair condition. Producers continued their supplemental feeding regimens. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Feb 28, 2023