http://droughtreporter.unl.edu/

v 2.4.3.0

Far West Texas needed rain to improve soil moisture and range conditions. There was no winter moisture this year to help drought conditions. Fieldwork continued, primarily to keep the topsoil from blowing in the high winds. Multiple days of 15-plus mph winds have caused dust storms throughout the region. Much of the wheat was dying due to lack of moisture. Very few irrigated fields remained, and they did not look good. Pastures were very bare, with no winter weeds or grass. Livestock were in fair to poor condition, and lambing began. El Paso County farmers were preparing land for cotton or alfalfa. Pecan producers were pruning trees and preparing orchard floors, and some elected to irrigate early this year due to additional water availability. Temperatures were warmer than normal, which could affect pecan trees if the typical late freeze happens. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Feb 19, 2025 Far West Texas experienced another week with no moisture. Weather was mostly seasonal with above-average temperatures extending into the mid-80s. Extremely high winds up to 51 mph caused dust storms throughout the district, further drying out soil moisture and causing topsoil erosion late in the week. Fieldwork was ongoing to keep fields from blowing. Dryland wheat fields were in poor condition, and even some irrigated wheat looked poor due to lack of water capacity. Pecan harvest continued in some areas. Many fields remained dry and hard. Pastures were bare and dry. Grass and winter weeds were still in poor condition. Cattle and other livestock remained in relatively good condition, as producers continued to provide supplemental feed. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Feb 4, 2025 Far West Texas needed rain to improve soil moisture levels and rangeland conditions. Extremely cold temperatures with lows in the upper teens were reported. Daytime highs still reached the mid-60s. Extremely high winds approaching 50 mph caused a dust storm over a large area. Damage assessments in wheat were expected to be taken during coming weeks. Only about 60% of planted wheat fields had emerged, and about 70% of that had not tillered. All cotton was harvested and much of the crop had been ginned but many modules were still waiting. Fieldwork was beginning in preparation for the upcoming growing season. Pecan harvest was winding down. Livestock were in fair condition, and producers were increasing supplemental feed to maintain body conditions through the cold spell. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Jan 22, 2025