http://droughtreporter.unl.edu/

v 2.4.3.0

Temperatures were above normal in Far West Texas, and conditions remained dry. Some parts of the district were significantly worse off than other areas. Soil moisture was critically low and hindering wheat planting and seed germination. Wheat continued to be planted, but earlier-emerged oats and wheat needed rain. Farmers cut and baled late-season hay. Many cotton fields were shredded due to bolls falling off from extreme heat. The cotton harvest on irrigated acres was ramping up. Early varieties of pecans were being harvested at average prices. Winter grass growth slowed due to dry conditions, with reports of armyworms on early planted wheat. Supplemental feeding continued for livestock, which remained in good condition despite the dry pastures. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Oct 29, 2024 Hot and dry conditions continued in Far West Texas before temperatures dropped into the upper 60s and rain fell over most of the district. Rain amounts ranged from trace amounts to 2 inches with more rain in the forecast. Topsoil and subsoil moisture levels were still very short. Cooler temperatures let the cotton crop recover and hang on to a few more bolls. Cotton bolls were beginning to open in the earliest planted fields. Some wheat was expected to be planted soon. Cantaloupe and watermelon were growing well but nearing the end of the growing season. Pecans were growing. Rangeland and pasture conditions remained in very poor condition. The moisture could help pastures with some late-season forage growth. Livestock were in poor to fair condition. Supplemental feeding was necessary in most livestock operations. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Sept 5, 2024