http://droughtreporter.unl.edu/

v 2.4.3.0

Temperatures were warmer in Far West Texas, ranging from the mid-80s to low 60s. A cold front persisted for the latter part of the week. Trace amounts of rain were received up to at least 2 inches. The wet ground kept cotton strippers out of the field until it dried out. Most irrigated cotton was harvested. It was dry enough for planters to put a little wheat in the ground. Earlier planted wheat was emerging and looking good. Rangeland had improved slightly due to the extra rainfall and temperatures cooling; however, it was still considered fair to poor. Livestock were in fair condition and were getting fed three times a week. Calves were being weaned. Deer hunters arrived in the region on leases. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Nov 14, 2023 Several beneficial rains swept Far West Texas over the past week. Totals ranged from 0.2 to 5 inches. Most of the week, daytime temperatures were in the mid-70s to upper 80s, with overnights in the upper 40s to the mid-70s. Cotton harvest continued with very disappointing yields, as well as being stalled due to wet fields. Wheat planting continued. The rain improved small grains growing conditions. Most cotton fields were shredded and plowed under. Haygrazer was doing well. Pumpkin production was going well. Soil moisture levels were ranging from adequate to surplus this week. Livestock were in fair condition. Producers were supplementing with hay and grain. Some producers were in the process of hog-proofing their property as much as possible. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Oct 31, 2023 Temperatures in Far West Texas steadily decreased with highs in the low 80s and lows in the high 50s. Scattered thunderstorms continued across the region. Cotton harvest was picking up, with almost everyone in the field either defoliating or harvesting. Defoliation was taking longer with the cooler temperatures and rates of harvest aids being increased. Yields were proving to be well below expected due to very small bolls and fewer of them on the plants. The harvest should not last long because of the dry weather and no rain in the forecast. Gins were letting modules stack up to try and keep the ginning season in as short of a window as possible. Wheat planting continued and planted acres were expected to be higher than average this season, but emergence was poor due to a lack of soil moisture. Watermelons and cantaloupes were still producing well. Chilies were growing well. Onions were in the ground, and pumpkins were being harvested. Pawnee pecans were starting to get harvested as well. Livestock were in fair condition as supplemental feeding continued. Cattle have a body score of 4. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Oct 17, 2023 Daytime temperatures in Far West Texas were in the upper 80s to mid-90s, with overnight temperatures in the upper 60s to mid-70s. Rain varied in the region, anywhere from trace amounts to upwards of 1 inch. Soil moisture levels remained adequate to good. Cotton defoliation picked up as growers prepared for harvest. Most cotton fields failed due to drought and extreme heat and were shredded and plowed under. Lower grain sorghum yields were expected. Hay grazer and sunflowers headed out. Corn was harvested. Wheat planting slowed as most growers were waiting for some moisture before going much further. Pecan pods were cracking open, and harvesting should begin in three weeks. Livestock were in fair condition, and producers continued supplementing with hay and grain. More producers were taking livestock to the sale. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Oct 3, 2023