http://droughtreporter.unl.edu/

v 2.4.3.0

Conditions remained very dry in the Panhandle. Overall, soil moisture levels were reported from adequate to very short. The corn and grain sorghum harvests continued, and forage sorghum continued to be chopped as fields dried to suitable moisture contents. The cotton harvest was getting underway as harvest aid applications were applied to most fields within the past few weeks. Upper-canopy bolls had opened nicely given the number of sunny, relatively warm days available to reach final maturity. There were no major wind or storm events that would have degraded the cotton fiber. Any additional rainfall would help recently emerged small grain and winter cover crops. Supplemental feeding of cows continued. Pasture and rangeland conditions were very poor to fair, with overall crop conditions reported as poor to good. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Oct 29, 2024 Warm temperatures and dry conditions continued across the Panhandle. The harvest of feed grain and forage crops continued. Oilseed crops, particularly cotton, were reaching their final stages of maturity. Many cotton fields received harvest aids. The emergence and establishment of fall-planted small grain crops appeared to be progressing well; however, additional precipitation will be necessary to support their early growth and development. Pasture conditions continued to decline, with overall soil moisture levels that ranged from very short to adequate. Pasture and rangeland conditions varied from very poor to fair, while overall crop conditions ranged from poor to good. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Oct 16, 2024 Some Panhandle counties received scattered showers, while others received measurable rainfall. Conditions overall were favorable for the final phases of maturity for most crops. Harvesting of feed grains got underway and continued in fields targeted for forage-silage. Corn harvest continued. Cotton harvest was expected to begin after the first killing frost, which typically takes place around Oct. 10. Pastures started to show signs of dormancy with little grazing quality. Overall soil moisture was very short to adequate. Pasture and rangeland conditions were very poor to fair and crops were poor to good. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Oct 1, 2024 Dry weather and heat continued in the Panhandle. Wheat planting progressed slowly, with most producers waiting for moisture. The corn harvest was more active, and the soybean and sorghum harvests started. Rangeland and pastures went dormant, and late haying continued. Overall soil moisture was very short to short. Pasture and rangeland conditions were very poor to fair, and overall crop conditions were poor to good. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Sept 17, 2024 The Panhandle experienced extreme heat and drought conditions. Livestock producers supplemented with hay and protein. Wheat planting began in irrigated circles intended for fall pasture. The corn crop started to dry down in many early planted fields, with harvest expected to begin soon. Rangeland was going dormant. Overall soil moisture ranged from very short to short, and pasture and range conditions were very poor to fair. Overall, crop conditions were poor to good. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Sept 5, 2024