http://droughtreporter.unl.edu/

v 2.4.3.0

The weather remained dry and windy in Southwest Texas, with a mix of temperatures. Some days were quite cool, while others were unseasonably warm, including temperatures that reached the mid-80s. Fire danger remained a concern. Some irrigation wells were dry while others were more productive than last season. Several producers extended their well depths by as much as 80 feet and reconditioned the pumps at the same time. Feed corn continued to emerge. Some slight wind damage was observed in exposed corn, but it was minimal. Pecan trees fully leafed out. Corn and sorghum needed rain soon. Pastures looked greener from the last rain, but some forages declined due to lack of moisture and higher temperatures. Supplemental feeding of livestock continued. Livestock were grazing, but they also sought shade. Many producers sold livestock, and many cows going to market were exceptionally thin. There was also a higher percentage of open cows in herds, likely due to body condition, but overall, livestock were in fair condition. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), April 15, 2025 Rainfall was reported in Southwest Texas with most areas receiving 0.5-3.5. inches, with some hail reported in isolated areas. Cooler temperatures were also reported, with cloudy skies most of the week and daytime highs in the low 70s on rainy days. Rains produced very little runoff in streams, creeks and rivers. The moisture did improve producer optimism. The rainfall helped both cool- and warm-season forages break dormancy and improved rangeland conditions. Honeybees were feeding on early-blooming trees and spring wildflowers. Mesquites began to leaf out. Row crops were planted, but no emergence was observed yet, but the recent rain should benefit corn and sorghum. Livestock diets were still being supplemented with feed and hay, but grazing was increasing. Livestock markets remained steady to strong. Much more rain was needed to sustain improvements. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), April 1, 2025 Drought-like conditions persisted in Southwest Texas, with higher temperatures and low moisture. Strong winds throughout the week further dried already parched soils. Wildfire conditions developed in the latter part of the week due to intense winds, though no rangeland damage was reported. Corn and sorghum planting continued. Supplemental feeding of livestock remained necessary, and herds were still in fair condition. Spring lambing and kidding were nearly complete. Livestock were not grazing much due to the lack of forages, though some pastures began to show new growth. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), March 18, 2025 Rain was needed. Warmer temperatures and mostly sunny conditions encouraged spring greening, but dry conditions persisted, with soil cracking in some areas. More corn farmers than usual preirrigated their fields. Corn planting began in some parts of the district. Signs of drought stress were evident in grasses on yards, rangeland and pastures. Wildfire danger increased due to high winds and low humidity. Landowners prepared for warm-season forage growth with fertilizer applications. Pecan trees showed early bud development. Irrigated crops remained in good condition, while dryland crops suffered. The previous extreme cold slowed Bermuda grass green-up, leaving pastures in poor condition. Supplemental feeding of livestock continued, and body condition scores held up well. Producers continued selling livestock to manage feed costs. Spring lambing, kidding and calving were ongoing. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), March 4, 2025