http://droughtreporter.unl.edu/

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Agricultural conditions improved in Far West Texas, but challenges remained. Conditions were warm, with humidity and temperature highs in the mid-80s. Some counties received much-needed rainfall, estimated at around 2 inches, which enhanced soil moisture and supported forage growth. Hail and wind damage were reported and remained a concern. Other areas continued to struggle with drought. Some producers took advantage of the moisture and planted hay grazer. Cotton planting was underway. Farmers with limited water access relied on irrigation wells and reducing acreage. Corn and melons progressed well, and pecan orchards and alfalfa fields were irrigated as needed. Livestock remained in fair condition and benefited from greening pastures in some areas, but many producers continued to provide feed. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), April 29, 2025 Unseasonably warm temperatures were reported in Far West Texas, with temperatures in the upper-90s. Fortunately, winds were not as intense as in recent weeks. No precipitation was reported, causing moisture losses above normal for this time of year. Melon planting was in full swing. Corn planting was completed, but not all fields emerged due to lack of moisture. Sorghum planting began. Wheat in areas that received heavier rains improved noticeably and may make it to harvest. Fieldwork increased, and growers prepared for cotton planting. Irrigating from wells was difficult in some areas, and cottonseed germination was expected to be difficult. Some producers considered not planting until rainfall improved moisture levels. Area livestock had very little to graze on, and their diets were supplemented. Producers started to shear and mark late lambs. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), April 15, 2025 Wind intensity and temperatures in Far West Texas continued to be above average for this time of year. Warmer temperatures reached the mid- to upper-80s. Producers continued to clean up after heavy winds. The district had a chance of rain this week, and while the upper elevations in the Big Bend Region benefited, it missed the lower elevations. Corn planting began and should be complete soon. Many producers were waiting on irrigation water to wet the surface enough to allow corn to germinate and emerge. Only a small percentage of planted fields have emerged to this point. Sorghum planting will begin soon if moisture allows, and melon planting should begin next week. Fieldwork halted in many areas as the ground was too powdery to plow without making it blow more. Without significant rain, irrigated cotton acres could be reduced again this season. Pastures were bare except for filaree in low-lying areas. Producers were facing significant challenges due to limited grazing and high feed costs. Cattle conditions were holding due to supplemental feed. Some cattle were grazing irrigated fields. Marketing of sheep was complete, and producers will begin to market goats and late lambs in the upcoming weeks. Preirrigation was occurring for Pima and upland cotton. Alfalfa and pecans were watered. The El Paso County Water Improvement District No. 1 was not expected to release water until the end of May, making it difficult to irrigate unless producers have wells. Producers in the Lower Rio Grande Valley may use effluent water from the city of El Paso. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), April 1, 2025 Multiple days of extremely high winds in the 45-65 mph range stopped all field activities in Far West Texas and further dried out the soil. Both day and night temperatures were above normal for this time of year, with highs reaching the mid-90s several times and nighttime lows in the mid-40s. Rain was needed to improve soil moisture and rangeland conditions. The weather created extreme fire hazards. Corn planting was on hold until producers could get the soil wet enough for good seed emergence, and temperatures near freezing were expected in the middle of the week. Many producers continued prewatering with plans to irrigate cotton this summer. Wheat was mostly dead, except for a few irrigated fields that might be harvested or terminated to plant watermelons. Pastures were brown. Livestock were in poor condition and required supplemental feeding. Sales of livestock continued due to poor conditions. Marking and processing of lambs began and will continue for the next 45 days. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), March 18, 2025 No rain fell in Far West Texas and winds exceeded 50 mph over the weekend, blowing topsoil and drying soil moisture. All remaining wheat was irrigated but struggled as irrigation could not keep up with demand. Wheat was set to enter the jointing stage over the next couple of weeks, increasing water needs. Fieldwork slowed as topsoil turned to powder. Minimal fieldwork focused on preparing for limited corn planting. Irrigation began on a few fields in preparation for summer cotton. Pastures remained short on weeds, with no green grass despite warming temperatures. Pecan trees had not yet leafed out. Livestock were in poor to fair condition. Cow-calf producers continued supplemental feeding as pasture conditions deteriorated. Lambing and kidding were in full swing. Land preparation continued in the Rio Grande Valley, with some farms listing rows and preparing for preirrigation. A small number of alfalfa acres were being prepared for planting. The water situation remained poor, forcing many farmers to rely on preventive plant insurance. Minimal cotton acreage was expected to be planted this year, as most available water was allocated to pecan orchards and established alfalfa. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), March 4, 2025