http://droughtreporter.unl.edu/

v 2.4.3.0

Rainfall amounts in West Central Texas averaged 1-4 inches. Soil moisture levels were improving. Some stock tanks caught water. Conditions were relatively warm. Cotton planting was following the moisture. The moisture helped sorghum and corn growth significantly. Warm-season grasses were flourishing, and some warm-season forage fields and pastures were being fertilized and sprayed for weeds. Small grains were being cut and baled. Wheat farmers were harvesting grain, and fair yields were reported. Some wheat producers reported above-average yields. Sudan grass looked good, and Coastal Bermuda grass was taking off under warmer temperatures. Forage sorghum planting continued, and early planted fields were in excellent condition. The pecan crop was off to a good start. Rangeland and pastures benefited from recent moisture and continued to show improvement. Spring cattle work continued. Livestock looked good, but some light dietary supplementation continued. Cattle prices and demand remained strong. Some freeze damage in turfgrasses and some trees was reported. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), May 23, 2023 Parts of West Central Texas received 0.5-2 inches of rainfall. Windy conditions were drying out fields, and some field preparations were made. Many producers put out fertilizer on Coastal Bermuda grass fields before the rains. Pastures were trying to green up but needed more rain. Rangeland conditions were declining. Warm-season grasses were slow to emerge due to cooler temperatures. Cattle were being fed hay and supplements. Stock ponds were low. Cattle markets remained good to excellent. Stocker steers sold steady and feeder steers were $4-$5 higher per hundredweight. Feeder heifers were $5-$8 higher per hundredweight. Oats and wheat were being cut and baled. Bales were selling for up to $125. Corn and sorghum emerged, but both needed rain. Preparations continued for cotton planting. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), April 25, 2023 Very windy conditions were reported in West Central Texas. Some areas received trace amounts of rain up to 1 inch. Soil moisture levels continued to decline in most areas from dry, windy conditions. Most oat fields have plants adding seed heads and most wheat was starting to head out or in the boot stage. Some oat fields were being cut and baled. All small grain fields needed rainfall. Most producers were grazing wheat or planning to cut and bale it. Producers were fertilizing and spraying herbicides in hay fields. Pasture and rangeland conditions continued to improve and provide good grazing for livestock. Livestock were being worked and sold. Most cattle looked good, but many looked thin. Cattle markets remained up. Feeder steers and heifers sold steady to $2-$3 higher per hundredweight. Packer cows were $3-$4 higher per hundredweight. Kids, lambs and calves were being weaned early due to lack of grass. Livestock water sources were critically low. Some sorghum and Sudan grass were being planted. Corn had emerged in fields. Field preparations continued for cotton. Catkins were prevalent in pecan trees. Wildfire conditions increased with one fire burning 248 acres and now at 90% containment. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), April 11, 2023