http://droughtreporter.unl.edu/

v 2.4.3.0

Weather conditions were dry in southwest Texas, and the wind persisted. There were reports of rain showers, with some areas receiving hail. Overall, some areas received between 1-3 inches of rain. All corn was up, but some damage from hail was reported. The comparatively cool weather was helping to reduce evapotranspiration rates for the growing crops. Some wheat and oats were laid over due to high winds. Irrigated crops looked good. Pastures were green with animals grazing, while other land was tilled and seeded. Only a few pastures were flooded. After the storm, fields required a couple of days to dry before equipment was used on the soil. Pastures and rangeland look good. Producers were heavily supplementing livestock. Beneficial brush was slowly emerging. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), April 16, 2024 A few Southwest Texas counties reported an average of 1 to 2 inches of rainfall. Corn and sorghum continued to emerge with little failed germination. All row crops were reported to be in good to excellent condition. Rangeland and pasture conditions continued to improve due to mild weather and relatively wet conditions, as cool-season grasses and forbs flower and go to seed. The average cattle body condition was rated between 4 and 5. Livestock markets remained strong. Weed control and fertilization of pastures were evident. Spring shearing of sheep and goats continued. Bud break on mesquite began. Guajillo has started to emerge significantly and could greatly benefit from additional moisture. Irrigated crops were in good shape. Producers were still heavily supplementing livestock. Temperatures were within normal ranges. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), April 2, 2024 Weather conditions continued to be dry, with several days of windy conditions, which increased crop evapotranspiration and soil drying. Overall rainfall reported for the week ranged from 0.2 inch to 2.2 inches, with some areas receiving hail and experiencing cooler temperatures. Farmers were tilling the land in preparation for planting, with a few managing to sow seeds before the rain. Overcast weather for a few days helped alleviate conditions that would have otherwise created additional stress on the crops and soil moisture. The small rain showers did not significantly replenish subsoil moisture but may have initiated some growth in the pastures. Rangeland green-up began with wildflowers blooming. Corn planting was complete, while farmers were waiting for more rain to plant hay and milo. Hay was becoming increasingly scarce and was extremely costly. Spring shearing and late lambing and kidding continued, with livestock mostly in fair condition and under supplementation. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), March 19, 2024 Cool and windy conditions in Southwest Texas posed little threat to agricultural production, although dry conditions hindered further green up of cool-season forage. No precipitation was reported. Deciduous wild trees and pecans began budding and were expected to bloom in the coming weeks. Producers were starting to till their land in preparation for the planting season. Row crop production continued, and planting was expected to begin in late March. Corn planting continued. Irrigated winter wheat was in good condition. Dryland oats were a total loss, while irrigated oats were starting to head out. Pastures were green but needed more moisture to stimulate good spring growth. Coastal sandbur remained a problem, but lack of rainfall prevented most land managers from being able to apply pre-emergent herbicides. Producers were still heavily supplementing livestock and wildlife. Hay supplies were dwindling, and the body conditions of livestock and wildlife were deteriorating due to the lack of rain. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), March 5, 2024