http://droughtreporter.unl.edu/

v 2.4.3.0

Far West Texas received little precipitation, and soil moisture levels remained steady, ranging from short to adequate. Evaporation was higher than normal and was removing what little topsoil moisture remained. The heat helped corn, sorghum and melon growth. Irrigation water was still moving decently in the soil; however, with falling capacity and no help from rain, growers were debating how much longer lower-capacity fields could continue production. Livestock continued to be fed as pastures had no grazing. Alfalfa fields were irrigated twice in most areas and should be cut for the first time this season by the end of the month. Pecan orchards were irrigated or were in the process of being irrigated. There was bud-break throughout the valley, indicating the pecan season began. The El Paso valley was fortunate to have a full allotment of water this year. A little wheat was grazed out while a few more fields were baled. The remainder of the irrigated acres will be harvested for grain, mostly for seed for next season. All dryland was being terminated for cotton cover. Livestock were in fair condition. Producers will begin working on lambs soon. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), April 16, 2024 There was no precipitation with a recent cold front in Far West Texas, and rain was desperately needed to improve rangeland, soil moisture and winter wheat conditions. Most wheat showed signs of drought stress. Wheat that was not harvested this season has been terminated to use as a cover crop for cotton. The only wheat remaining was a few acres of irrigated wheat. Fieldwork slowed down tremendously, and sprayers were running. Corn was coming along fine, as the cold did not affect it. Producers were preparing for watermelon planting. Pecan trees have started to get leaves. Livestock producers continued supplementing with hay and grain to keep livestock in fair condition. Some producers were scrambling for what to do with their livestock and finding other means to keep cattle fed and watered. Producers were preparing to start marking lambs. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), April 2, 2024 Dry and windy conditions, coupled with the wildfires in the Texas Panhandle, had producers and first responders on high alert as area rangelands had a large amount of fuel available if a wildfire occurred. A cool front entered parts of the region over the weekend and temperatures dropped into the low 50s. There was rainfall from between 0.3 inch and 1.5 inches. Wheat was growing. Producers continued preparing land for cotton crops. Pecan trees started to put on leaves. Land and stock tanks were still very dry and in poor condition. Area cattle producers were busy with the start of spring branding season. Lambing was complete and goats were expected to kid through March. Livestock were in fair condition and producers continued supplemental feeding. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), March 19, 2024 Unseasonably warm temperatures were prevalent across Far West Texas, with highs in the mid to upper 80s. However, a strong midweek cool front brought colder temperatures and significant moisture. Lows dropped down to the freezing mark in the upper elevations. We received between 0.4″ and 1 inch of rain, which helped freshen the ground for laying off rows and greening the wheat. Significantly more moisture will be needed to fill the profile for summer crops. Some producers were ready for irrigation, while most were still preparing. Some pecan producers were irrigating orchards early to get a head start. The grass was starting to green up in the pastures, primarily in rights-of-way for transmission lines and pipelines where all the brush has been removed, as well as low-lying areas such as tank bottoms. Livestock were in fair condition and producers continued supplemental feeding. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), March 5, 2024