http://droughtreporter.unl.edu/

v 2.4.3.0

Weather conditions in West Central Texas were extremely hot and dry, with temperatures consistently exceeding 100 degrees and peaking at an all-time high of 113 degrees. Despite some scattered showers bringing up to 2 inches of rain in some locations, most areas remained critically dry. Heat and no rain were in the forecast. The persistent heat resulted in severe drought stress across crops and pastures, with nearly all summer forage growth halted. Many trees were showing signs of drought stress. The lack of moisture caused soil to dry out significantly, complicating field preparation for fall planting and contributing to poor crop conditions. Cotton plants were wilting under hot, dry conditions. Livestock were in fair condition overall but were suffering from the excessive heat. Producers were providing supplement feed and managing dwindling water supplies in stock tanks. Reports of armyworms and grasshoppers persisted. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Aug 27, 2024 West Central Texas received rainfall amounts that ranged from 0.5-1.5 inches in most areas and experienced cooler temperatures in the upper 80s to low 90s. However, temperatures were expected to reach the triple digits again over the next week, which will increase the chance of drought conditions. Producers were cutting and baling hay, and corn and sorghum harvest was beginning, with low yields expected due to the lack of rain. Cotton looked decent, and some dryland crops were flowering out at the top. Pasture and range conditions varied from fair to good but weed and insect pressure continued to be an issue, with grasshopper populations very high. Livestock and cattle conditions were good, and market prices were strong. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), July 30, 2024 Weather conditions in West Central Texas varied from hot and dry to warm and humid with rainfall averaging 0.36 inches. Soil conditions were drying, and drought stress was beginning to show in crops and fields. Hay cutting and baling continued, and producers were reporting above-average yields. Some hail-damaged sorghum fields were being cut as hay, and grain sorghum was maturing quickly. Early planted cotton was in good condition, but late cotton looked poor. Corn was drying down and should be harvested soon. Early planted sorghum was maturing, while late-planted crops were producing smaller heads. Pecan trees looked good. Range and pasture conditions were poor to fair, with most areas suffering from dry conditions. Grasshopper damage worsened, which reduced the quality and quantity of forage available for livestock. Livestock and cattle remained in good condition, and markets were strong. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), July 16, 2024 Weather conditions in West Central Texas have been hot and dry with temperatures averaging near or over 100 degrees in some areas and only receiving trace amounts of rainfall. Hay production was reported to be good, and producers were finishing the first round of cutting and baling coastal hay and Sudan grass with excellent yields. Forage sorghum was planted and baled with regrowth happening in all areas. Corn harvest was complete, and grain sorghum harvest will begin soon. Grain sorghum crops began to show severe heat and drought stress signs. However, cotton fared well with most already harvested except for the younger crops, which were in a holding phase. Earlier planted cotton looked good despite the hot and dry conditions. Pecans were also in excellent condition. Pasture and range conditions were adequate, but there were reports of pressure from grasshoppers. Livestock and cattle conditions were good, and the market remained strong. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), July 2, 2024