http://droughtreporter.unl.edu/

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The South Plains received light showers to heavy rains with totals from trace amounts to 4 inches. Recent rains improved conditions for planting, livestock tanks and pastures. Irrigated corn was emerging and looked good. A few farmers started planting cotton. Most cotton farmers were waiting to see how much rain was received over the next few days before making planting decisions. Cattle were still grazing wheat and oats. Some grass was available in areas that received significant rain over the past few weeks. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), May 23, 2023 Brief showers delivered up to 2 inches of rain to the South Plains. Much of the district was still in desperate need of more rain for a successful planting and growing season. Sunflowers were planted. Farmers were spraying wheat to get ready for cotton planting at the end of the month. Soil temperatures were around 59 degrees, and warmer soil temperatures were needed for cotton planting. Most producers were making plans to start planting cotton in the third week of May. Cattle were still on supplemental feeding as native grasses emerged. Livestock producers were also grazing a significant amount of CRP land because of the forage shortage. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), May 9, 2023 Some counties in the South Plains received up to a half inch of rain. Conditions remained dry. Wet and cooler weather was in the forecast. Weather conditions were cool and cloudy towards the end of the week. Some wheat fields were being cut for silage, and others were being grazed or will be bailed. A few corn planters were active. Other producers were preparing fields by applying pre-plant herbicides. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), April 25, 2023 Subsoil and topsoil moisture levels in the South Plains were still extremely low due to lack of rainfall and windy conditions in most counties. Winter wheat needed some rain. The district received a general rain of around 0.25-2 inches. Some areas received pea- to ping pong-sized hail. No damage was reported. The moisture should help grasses coming out of dormancy for grazing. Farmers were spraying in preparation of planting in the coming weeks. Many producers turned on their irrigation systems and the recent rains should help soil moisture. Producers were not making quick decisions on planting corn, cotton, sorghum or an alternative crop and expected to base their decisions on rainfall. Livestock were still receiving supplemental feed. Some producers have lost cattle, but most were in good condition. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), April 11, 2023