http://droughtreporter.unl.edu/

v 2.4.3.0

Daytime temperatures in Far West Texas were in the upper 70s to lower 80s with overnight temperatures in the 60s. Sporadic showers improved soil moisture in parts of the district. There were some reports of 0.5-2.5 inches of rainfall. Planting was delayed by moisture, and the planting window was tightening. Some producers were planting cotton to take advantage of the moisture, but not all fields were prepared for planting. Farmers were still listing fields and having to relist fields due to heavy wind erosion. Producers were optimistic about rangeland conditions for the summer and fall. Weeds were becoming more of a problem, as growers did not have time to spray weeds and plant at the same time. Pasture grasses were beginning to green up for the first time in a long time. Livestock were in poor to fair condition, and producers were still providing supplemental feed. Rio Grande project water was available to producers in El Paso County who had been using well water or effluent from the city. Pima and upland cotton stands looked excellent. Alfalfa looked fair, and later-planted stands were a bit weedy. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), May 23, 2023 Overnight temperatures in Far West Texas were in the mid-50s with daytime temperatures ranging from the high 80s to mid-90s. Most areas were still experiencing extreme drought conditions. The district desperately needed forecasted rain to improve rangeland and cropland soil moisture conditions. High winds caused soil erosion. Trace amounts of rainfall were reported. Northeastern parts of the district received up to 1.2 inches of rain. Hail generated in storms caused significant damage to cotton and watermelon fields and pecan orchards. Dryland wheat and cover crops were extremely poor. However, irrigated wheat looked decent. Producers were preparing to plant cotton, but acres were expected to be minimal due to drought conditions. Corn made good progress, but watermelons were struggling so far. Upland and Pima cotton in the Rio Grande Valley was planted and mostly emerged. Those fields looked good. Alfalfa farmers were making their first cuttings. Producers cut wheat for hay. Rangeland conditions were not improving, and pastures that received some rain were showing slight improvement. Some livestock were in poor condition, and producers continued to supplement their diets. Calving, kidding and lambing were almost complete. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), May 9, 2023 Rain showers in Far West Texas delivered trace amounts of rain up to almost half an inch. Winds reached beyond 30 mph. Constant winds contributed to the lack of soil moisture. Topsoil and subsoil moisture levels were short to adequate. Final decisions were being made on wheat fields. Irrigated wheat looked decent enough that it will likely go to harvest. Dryland fields posed more difficult decisions because most were in very poor condition and likely complete losses. A handful of dryland fields have some potential to make it to harvest, but also may have very low yield potential. The soil temperature was finally warming up, and corn was getting established and starting to take off. Rangeland and pasture conditions were improving. Mesquite have begun to green up, however there was still not much grass or weed growth. Brush encroachment continued to be a problem in grazing fields. Livestock were in poor condition and being fed. A fire burned almost 3,000 acres. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), April 11, 2023