http://droughtreporter.unl.edu/

v 2.4.3.0

Conditions were extremely hot in West Central Texas with highs over 100 degrees daily. Soil moisture levels were extremely low, and all areas needed rain. Dry weather and heat slowed forage and crop growth and weed problems were increasing. Stock tank water levels were declining. Rangeland and pastures were showing signs of heat and moisture stress. Some hay cutting and baling occurred, and some producers were preparing for a second cutting, but pastures were starting to burn up. Good hay yields were reported this season. Sudan grass was cut and baled. Livestock looked good, and the cattle market remained high. Sheep and goat prices were a mixed bag. Cotton was planted and in fair to excellent condition. Some early planted cotton looked excellent while later-planted fields were struggling in the heat. Corn fields looked excellent though some fields were damaged by wind and replanted late. Pest pressure was high. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), July 18, 2023 Conditions were extremely hot and humid in West Central Texas with high temperatures over 100 degrees. Isolated locations received trace amounts of rain up to nearly 1 inch, but soil moisture levels were declining in most areas. The heat was taking a toll on crops and pastures. Grasses were turning brown. Fields that were not plowed were too hard to work. Hay harvests continued, and producers were cutting Sudan grass. Pasture and rangeland conditions were declining rapidly and showing signs of heat stress. Livestock body conditions were holding, and a few producers were putting out hay bales. Stock tanks were running low on water. Cattle prices were steady to higher, and demand for stockers was high. Producers finished planting and replanting cotton. Cotton progress ranged from squaring to emerging. Irrigated cotton and early planted dryland fields were in good condition but will need rainfall soon. Some young cotton was struggling along with corn and sorghum. Wheat harvest was complete. Pest pressure was increasing. The pecan crop outlook was poor to good depending on the variety. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), July 5, 2023 Scattered showers were reported in West Central Texas early in the week, but conditions were mostly dry, hot and humid. Forecasts called for temperatures at or above 100 degrees over the coming weeks. High temperatures were drying the soil profile out quickly. Producers were cutting and baling hay, but conditions were very humid. Wheat fields were being harvested for grain with reports of 30-55 bushels per acre. Some wheat fields were plowed. Cotton planting was in full swing, and some fields were emerging. Some cotton was replanted due to storm damage. Corn and sorghum were doing well following rains. High temperatures were starting to stress some sorghum fields. Pecan growers were still expecting good yields. Rangeland and pasture conditions continued to improve, but many areas were still recovering. Weed pressure was heavy in pastures. Cattle and livestock looked good. Stocker cattle prices were down some while feeder prices were up. Stock tanks needed more water but were in much better condition. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), June 21, 2023 Grazing conditions improved in West Central Texas, but some rangelands were still recovering from overgrazing during the drought. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), June 6, 2023