http://droughtreporter.unl.edu/

v 2.4.3.0

Rainfall amounts in the Texas Panhandle were minimal, and the distribution of precipitation was isolated. Numerous sprinkler pivots were being operated to build soil profile moisture before planting corn, cotton and other warm-season crops. Tillage operations continued across fields and have included the application of immobile nutrients in fertilizers, pre-plant herbicides and possibly insecticides. Cover crops in pivot fields received supplemental irrigation, and some will receive herbicides to terminate growth as spring planting season arrives. More rain was needed for wheat and rangeland to green up. Producers continued supplemental feeding of their herds. Stocker gains were great on wheat due to warm weather. Overall, soil conditions were reported from adequate to short. Pasture and rangelands were reported from fair to very poor. Winter wheat was reported good to poor. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), April 16, 2024 Although the Texas Panhandle remains very dry, snow events brought on by cold fronts delivered needed moisture to small grain and other species planted for cover and forage, dual-purpose or grain production. The effect of recent wind events was noticeable on fields lacking cover, whether a currently growing crop or carryover residue from the previous season. Wind speeds were generally low most days in March, reducing evaporative water loss at the soil surface and any supplemental irrigation efforts needed to increase soil moisture. Spring field work involving tillage, fertilizer additions and preemergent herbicide applications was underway on various farms in the area as growers prepared to plant warm-season crops later in April. All dryland wheat was suffering due to drought. Producers were actively irrigating in preparation for planting corn and cotton. Producers continued supplemental feeding for cattle. Rangelands were starting to green up. Overall, soil conditions were reported to be adequate to short. Pasture and rangeland were reported to be fair to very poor. Winter wheat was reported good to poor. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), April 2, 2024 The Texas Panhandle experienced mild temperatures and no precipitation. Corn, cotton and sorghum preplant activities continued. Wheat was beginning to grow rapidly. Precipitation was needed. Cattle were being supplemented on rangeland. Rangeland and pasture green-up started. Overall, soil conditions were reported to be adequate to short. Pasture and rangelands were reported to be fair to very poor. Winter wheat was reported good to poor. Livestock operators in several counties were beginning the recovery process after the devastating fires that began in late February. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), March 19, 2024