http://droughtreporter.unl.edu/

v 2.4.3.0

Conditions in the South Plains were challenging for producers, with temperatures above 100 degrees during the day with not much cool down in the evening. Subsoil and topsoil moisture levels were struggling due to the extreme heat. Previous weeks of hot and dry weather wreaked havoc on crops. Dryland cotton yields were expected to be below average due to the lack of rainfall and extreme heat. Irrigated crops were in fair condition, and some producers were unable to stop irrigation due to needed moisture to survive the heat. Cotton was shedding mature bolls due to heat. Corn and sorghum were maturing and drying up fast. Cucumber harvest continued. Black-eyed peas were near harvest. Cattle were in good condition despite the record heat. High temperatures, wind and no moisture continued to dry out pasture and rangeland. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Aug 27, 2024 The South Plains received little to no rain, and rain was needed. The forecast did not show any relief in the hot and dry temperatures for the foreseeable future. Producers in most areas were fighting weeds from sporadic rains, but cotton was in mid to full bloom. Late planted corn crops were beginning to pollinate, and cucumbers were being cultivated with full irrigation. The peanut crop was in good condition. Livestock were also reported to be in good condition. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), July 30, 2024