http://droughtreporter.unl.edu/

v 2.4.3.0

Temperatures around the lower 60’s fell across West Central Texas. Some areas received light rainfall over the weekend. Soil moisture remained in good condition. A few fields were being planted with small grains. A few cotton patches were being harvested, although most were shredded for insurance purposes. The early planted winter wheat was going well and in good condition. Pecan harvest was minimal. Cool season forages were emerging in rangelands and pastures. Producers increased supplemental feeding for their herds. Cattle prices at local markets remained high. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Nov 28, 2023 West Central Texas experienced average temperatures with cooler mornings and received another inch of rain to sustain soil moisture. Small grain planting was underway, but additional soil moisture was needed to emerge recently planted grain. Cotton harvest was almost complete. Although the district received rain, stock tank and lake levels remained low. Winter annuals appeared in rangelands and pastures, providing some grazing. Fed cattle prices were up at local sale barns. Producers have increased supplemental feeding of their herds to help maintain body condition going into the winter months. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Nov 14, 2023 A few thunderstorms swept West Central Texas, bringing anywhere between 3 to 8 inches of rain in some areas. This soil moisture allowed oat and wheat crops to be planted and established in the soil. Some hay producers were completing their final cut of hay. Irrigated cotton producers were applying harvest aids. Cotton was in poor condition and very few acres were harvested. Winter wheat was in good condition and will continue to benefit from recent rains. Rangeland and pastures were improving. Supplemental feeding continued for cattle herds. Local cattle markets have slowed down, and prices remain high. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Oct 31, 2023 Temperatures in West Central Texas cooled significantly, with lows in the 45-50 range and highs in the 75-85 range. Conditions remained dry as rain fell sporadically in small amounts. Producers continued planting oats and wheat. Cotton defoliation continued and harvest started. Pecan trees were dying in some orchards and even irrigated orchards were showing stress. Insect pest problems continued and fall armyworm populations were increasing. Drought was still a severe issue as stock tanks were low. Grasses slowed down due to the cool fronts. Rangeland and pasture conditions needed more rain. Many producers were selling livestock due to the lack of grass and water. Cattle prices were still high. Supplemental feeding continued for the cattle producers kept. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Oct 17, 2023 Recent rains improved conditions in West Central Texas; however, much more was needed to grow grass before winter. Warm conditions allowed producers to prepare fields for oat and wheat planting, with a few beginning to sow. Trees continued to show severe drought stress. Some hay fields were being cut and baled. Aphid and armyworm pressure increased. Stock tank levels continued to decrease. Cattle looked good and supplemental feeding continued due to the lack of grass. The cattle market decreased slightly, but producers continued selling calves to reduce pressure on cows going into winter. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Oct 3, 2023