http://droughtreporter.unl.edu/

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Some areas received rain over the weekend, while most locations stayed dry. Hot and dry conditions persisted. Thunderstorms brought high winds with some hail, but the moisture helped pastures, cotton planting and grain sorghum. Warm-season forage growth slowed due to hot, dry days. Some fields were planted in sorghum and forage Sudan. Wheat harvest was expected to begin soon, although many wheat and oat fields were grazed out. Coastal Bermuda grass and hay grazer looked good, but more rain was needed as subsoil moisture levels remained low from extended drought. Weed control was ongoing. Range and pastures were in good condition where rain was received but dry in other parts. Livestock remained in good condition where the early May rains fell, and stock tanks and low spots in creeks were full. However, the rains were followed by 100-degree days and the soil moisture depleted fast. Drier pastures offered little grazing and livestock were being supplemented. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), May 20, 2025 Warm and dry conditions persisted in West Central Texas, but several counties reported 0.5-4.5 inches of rainfall. Severe storms led to tornadoes that damaged trees and outbuildings. More rainfall was in the forecast. Some counties reported up to 12 inches of rainfall for the month of April. Topsoil was drying down very quickly in some areas. The moisture helped improve forage and crop conditions. Haygrazer fields had emerged and were off to a good start, but more rain will be needed soon. Producers were planting spring forages and fertilizing Bermuda grass pastures. Pasture conditions were improving grazing availability for livestock. Cattle were being worked. The cattle market was active with high demand across all classes. Some wheat was beginning to change color. There was some freeze damage reported in wheat. Many wheat and oat fields were being grazed out or baled for hay. Grain sorghum emerged and needed rain. Cotton planting was expected to begin soon in irrigated fields and dryland fields needed more rain before planting. Recent rains improved conditions in some cotton fields prepared for planting. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), May 6, 2025