http://droughtreporter.unl.edu/

v 2.4.3.0

Conditions remained extremely dry in the South Plains, and the district missed rain in the forecast again. High winds and lack of moisture created blowing dust and increased soil drying. Soil sampling was wrapping up as producers were beginning to make management decisions on their fields for the growing season. Deep soil moisture was verified by samples down to 20 inches. Preirrigation started in some fields to prepare for corn grain and silage plantings. Spray equipment was moving as producers prepared to apply preplant herbicides. Producer crop outlooks were not very positive with current markets. Cotton acres were expected to be down. Fertilizer top-dressing of winter wheat fields continued and could help achieve yield goals. Pasture conditions continued to deteriorate without moisture. Cattle were relying heavily on supplemental feeding. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), April 1, 2025 Very dry conditions continued across the South Plains. Subsoil and topsoil moisture levels were very short due to a lack of rainfall and daily winds. Producers were trying to hold the dirt down and water when possible. Strong winds of 50-80 mph throughout one day created a tremendous dust storm. Barns, equipment and irrigation pivots across the South Plains were damaged. Cattle were in good condition. Due to the dry conditions, winter wheat was in poor condition, and producers were providing supplemental feed to compensate for the lack of forage availability. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), March 18, 2025 South Plains subsoil and topsoil moisture levels were short, with no measurable rainfall for several weeks. Windy conditions were expected to worsen the situation. Much of the leftover forage from last summer was depleted due to poor winter wheat grazing. Cattle remained on supplemental feed and were in good condition, but rangeland growth struggled with extreme dryness. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), March 4, 2025