National Drought Mitigation Center
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National Drought Mitigation Center
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Pastures struggling in West Central Texas
2/21/2024 12:00:00 AM



CATEGORIES:
Agriculture
Plants & Wildlife
Water Supply & Quality
AFFECTED AREAS:
Brown County, TX
Burnet County, TX
Callahan County, TX
Coke County, TX
Coleman County, TX
Concho County, TX
Fisher County, TX
Irion County, TX
Jones County, TX
Lampasas County, TX
Llano County, TX
Mason County, TX
McCulloch County, TX
Menard County, TX
Mills County, TX
Nolan County, TX
Runnels County, TX
San Saba County, TX
Schleicher County, TX
Shackelford County, TX
Sterling County, TX
Taylor County, TX
Tom Green County, TX

Start Date: 1/23/2024 - End Date: 2/21/2024
Rain was scattered across West Central Texas, with some areas receiving over 2 inches. Temperatures were found in the lower 30s to lower 80s. Small grains were growing slowly. Wheat and oats were improving each week. Field preparation for spring crops began. Many stock tanks and ponds caught water from the recent rain, but more was needed to replenish it fully. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Feb 21, 2024 Rain fell over West Central Texas, allowing soil moisture to increase and be in good condition. The rain and warmer temperatures allowed small grain fields to improve. Wheat looked good and started creating good grazing for livestock. Rain was still needed to fill ponds for livestock water supplies. Although pastures and rangelands were greening up, producers continued heavy supplemental feeding for their herds. Cattle prices at local sale barns continued to rise, and cattle were holding good body condition. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Feb 6, 2024 Light snow and rain were scattered across the district and accompanied by frigid temperatures, with three days below freezing. Soil conditions remained steady, but moisture was appreciated as it was received. Small grain fields were set back due to the freezing conditions. Wheat and oat pastures were struggling and in dire need of rain for cool-season annuals and native grasslands. The polar vortex challenged livestock producers who were feeding and busting ice for their livestock. Supplemental and hay feeding increased in response to the cold weather. Despite the freezing temperatures, cattle and wildlife were in decent condition. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Jan 23, 2024
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