http://droughtreporter.unl.edu/

v 2.4.3.0

This was the hottest overall week of the summer in Far West Texas, with a heat index of 108 degrees and lows in the high 70s. The Permian Basin desperately needed rain to improve rangeland, cropping and soil moisture conditions. The cotton crop was surviving but the heat has taken a toll, and fields have shed a tremendous number of bolls and squares. Cotton was showing extreme stress by mid-morning, with many fields not recovering overnight and showing stress all day. Yield expectations have come down. Corn and sorghum harvests were complete, with both performing below expectations. Livestock were in poor to fair condition. Pastures remained bare, and the amount of cattle in the district kept dropping. In the Rio Grande Vally, Pima cotton continued to thrive in high temperatures with plenty of water. Upland cotton looked good, but some fields were struggling. Pecan orchards looked healthy overall, and crop loads were about average. Alfalfa was being cut. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Aug 27, 2024 Conditions in the Far West were dry, and high temperatures ranged from the mid-90s to the low 100s. The dry conditions caused the cotton crop to advance quickly, which will likely result in reduced yields. Corn, sorghum and soybean harvests were underway with producers reporting low yields in most fields. Pastures were brown in most areas. Fly numbers were increasing on cattle and livestock. Fall armyworms were reported in a few areas, but no widespread outbreaks to date. Livestock conditions varied from very good to excellent. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Aug 13, 2024 The Far West saw cooler temperatures along with some rain showers reported last weekend. The rain had helped cotton that was still left in the field after insurance adjustments. Most fields had begun to bloom on time and producers were reporting better yield potential than in previous weeks. Although cotton was still not a great crop this year, growers and gins should still have a better year than last year. Corn and sorghum continued making progress and were drying down. Melon harvest continued and yields were still good. Alfalfa continued to yield higher this year due to good water and weather. Pecans looked very good and had a decent harvest. Pastures still needed more moisture, but conditions should improve with the recent rains. Livestock were reported in fair condition. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), July 30, 2024 Weather conditions in Far West Texas were seasonable with most areas having low temperatures in the mid-70s and highs in the mid-90s. Cotton insurance adjustments have occurred this past week on fields that failed. Irrigated cotton was still holding on with the more seasonal temperatures, and producers were starting to plant a second crop depending on moisture availability. Cotton plants were in the early squaring to blooming stages with light insect activity. Corn was maturing, but yields were expected to be below average due to the excessive heat during pollination. Onion harvest was complete, and melon harvest continued with increasing yields reported. The pecan trees looked good. There were reports of very little grass in pastures, except in ungrazed areas in tank bottoms. Livestock conditions were good, but many producers continued to thin their herds due to these dry conditions. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), July 16, 2024 A storm system in the upper elevations near the Davis Mountains brought much-needed moisture and relief from intense heat to Far West Texas. Rainfall accumulations of up to 2 inches were reported in most areas. The 100-degree-plus heat and winds took a toll on irrigated cotton, which was showing signs of drought stress. Early planted fields were blooming with later fields not yet squaring. Corn was badly stressed, but sorghum was reported to be in fair condition. Watermelons and cantaloupes will be harvested in time for the July 4 holiday, and onions were being harvested. Pastures were drying down considerably, and more rain was needed to improve soil, crop and range conditions. Most small livestock were in fair condition, and some were being sold due to little or no grazing. The shipping of late lambs and goats, and culling of ewes and nannies, was ongoing. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), July 2, 2024