Drought

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers was monitoring lake in northeast Kansas as drought caused their levels to fall. Water continued to be released from the reservoirs to maintain water supply and quality in the river basins.

Water users in Pine Grove were asked to conserve because the creek that brings water to the treatment plant’s intake was too low. A tanker truck delivered 7,000 gallons to the community that uses about 80,000 gallons daily. Farms’ wells have run dry, and creeks, too, have dried up. WCHS-TV ABC 8 (Charleston, W.V.), Nov 1, 2024

The South Dakota wheat crop was variable across the state. In some places, the seed had not germinated, with the seed in dry dirt. In other areas, the stand of wheat was good. Brownfield Ag News (Jefferson City, Mo.), Nov 1, 2024

The Pennsylvania Drought Task Force announced drought watch and warning statuses for counties in the southwest and southeastern parts of the state. Berks and Schuylkill counties were in a drought warning. Under a drought watch, residents were encouraged to voluntarily curb their water use by 5% to 10%. Under a drought warning, water users were urged to reduce their water use by 10% to 15%. WPXI-TV NBC 11 Pittsburgh (Pa.), Nov 1, 2024

Valley High School in Wetzel County will be closed on Oct. 31 and Nov. 1 because the school lacks water due to drought. Classes will be remote on those days. Decisions have not yet been made about classes next week. WDTV-TV (Bridgeport, W.V.), Oct 31, 2024

Dry, warm conditions persisted in Southwest Texas. Temperatures rose back into the high-80s, with no rain in sight. Soils remained dry with visible cracks, and forage availability dwindled. The last cotton bales were hauled to the gin. The pecan harvest was completed. High temperatures and a lack of moisture prevented cool-season forage from germinating, while warm-season plants continued to go dormant. There was a significant amount of dry fuel that could contribute to fire risks. Irrigated oats and wheat looked fair, but pastures and rangelands dried up due to above-average temperatures and insufficient rainfall. Water well levels were a concern, and Canyon Lake’s levels dropped to the point that stricter water restrictions were anticipated. Livestock received supplementation and were mostly in fair condition. Wildlife were active, with whitetail bucks beginning their rut. There was a slight chance of rain in the forecast, with cooler temperatures expected. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Oct 29, 2024 Dry conditions continued in Southwest Texas, and it was very dusty. Overnight temperatures dropped to the high 60s to low 70s. No rainfall was reported, and none was in the forecast. Moisture conditions continued to decline, leading to a deterioration in pasture and rangeland conditions. Emerged small grains were holding on, but producers were waiting to plant winter forages until they received some moisture. The cotton harvest concluded, yielding better results than the previous year for both irrigated and dryland fields. Producers sold cattle at lighter weights, and some were destocking their herd. Stock tanks were drying up, necessitating supplemental water for livestock. Livestock markets were steady. Acorn crops matured as deer season began, and livestock grazed and received some supplemental forage. Wildlife were active and seeking water. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Oct 16, 2024 Conditions in Southwest Texas were hot and humid with no rain and some relief from cooler morning temperatures. Nighttime temperatures dropped into the mid-50s to 60s in some areas. There was no rain and soils were drying and beginning to crack. Row crop harvests were complete. Pastures were going dormant and forage quality declined due to the dry conditions. Wildlife activity started to pick up as oaks and wild pecans began to drop nuts and acorns. White-tailed deer became more active. Supplemental feeding of livestock continued. Overall, livestock and wildlife remained in good condition. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Oct 1, 2024

Mild to warm temperatures continued with no rainfall reported in South Texas, causing topsoil and subsoil moisture levels to decline. Temperatures ranged from the 60s to low-90s, and reports of roadside fires increased due to hot, dry conditions. Agricultural conditions were poor across many areas due to the lack of rain and no water in irrigation canals. Most crops were harvested, and fieldwork was mostly at a standstill. Peanut and sesame harvesting continued, and strawberry planting was near completion. Winter and fall vegetables were still being planted or harvested, with fall corn progressing well. The citrus harvest, and planting of onions and leafy greens continued. Forage producers made their last cuts for the season. Rangeland and pasture conditions varied, but many areas reported declining conditions. Stock tank levels remained low. Ranchers increased feed supplementation due to cooler nights and drought affecting grass growth, and beef cattle markets saw steady volumes with slight price drops. Calf and cull cow sales rose due to drought, with higher numbers of cattle sold at local auctions. Ranchers were selling calves early to benefit from higher prices on 400-500-pound calves, while feed prices remained high. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Oct 29, 2024 Conditions remained dry in South Texas. Mild and moderate temperatures persisted for most of the district, with some counties reporting cool morning and evening temperatures and warm days. Grass and vegetation were turning brown. Topsoil and subsoil moisture conditions remained short. Cooler morning temperatures provided some relief to corn. Cotton harvest was wrapping up. Peanut harvest was underway or nearing. Most sesame fields were close to harvest. Cool-season vegetables looked good. Row crop farmers continued to prepare fields for the next year’s crops. Soil moisture remained good for cool-season vegetables but decreased with the above-normal temperatures. Strawberry planting was 50% complete. Citrus trees were doing well, with harvest for certain varieties beginning in the following weeks. Producers planted oats, winter wheat and leafy greens. Hay and forage producers made their last cuttings of summer grasses. Rangeland and pasture conditions declined. Hay prices ranged from $75 to $100 per round bale. Supplemental feeding continued in areas where rangeland and pasture conditions were unfavorable. Average sale volumes were reported at livestock markets with a slight price increase on feeder cattle, while cull cows, bulls and replacement cattle continued to be in high demand. Ranchers sold the spring calf crop and culled older cows because of the dry conditions. Livestock and wildlife were in good condition. Dove hunting slowed down, and deer and quail season were fast approaching, with deer and quail crops looking to be above average this year. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Oct 16, 2024 Conditions in South Texas were seasonably hot, with lower humidity and little to no rain reported. Some areas reported moderate weather conditions with cooler temperatures in the morning and highs reaching 90 degrees throughout the day. Topsoil and subsoil moisture conditions were short to adequate. Row crop farmers continued to work their ground in preparation for next year’s crop. Cotton harvest was complete in some counties and continued in others. Sesame harvest was complete or neared completion. Peanuts were maturing and close to harvest. Citrus was doing well and fruit continued to mature, and there were reports of fruit fly activity on citrus. Fall corn was in excellent condition, and cool-season vegetables looked good. Hay fields were under irrigation and nearing the next cutting. Forage producers were hoping for one more cutting and were on the lookout for armyworms and other pests. Some pastures were yielding fairly well and in good shape, while rangeland and pasture conditions were slowly declining due to a lack of rainfall in some areas. Beef cattle producers continued to provide supplemental feed in some areas that lacked adequate grazing. Cattle prices remained high and steady. Wildlife were receiving supplemental feed and were a little more active despite the heat. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Oct 1, 2024

Pasture and rangeland conditions were very poor to fair. The subsoil and topsoil moisture levels were short. Days were dry and hot, with no rain reported. Soil and vegetation were showing drought stress. Livestock conditions were fair, but declining water sources continued to lower water quality. The cotton harvest continued. Some hay harvest occurred. Some wheat planting took place, while some was delayed or slowed due to drought. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Oct 29, 2024 Topsoil and subsoil moisture levels were short to adequate for most North Texas counties, with a few reporting very short soil moisture. Pasture and rangeland conditions were very poor to good. The lack of rainfall and dwindling stock tanks were a growing concern for producers. Winter wheat fields were ready for planting. Fig harvest was winding down. Winter greens and lettuce production continued in urban farms and hydroponic operations. Farmers were encouraged to closely monitor their water supplies and soil conditions as they prepared for winter. Livestock conditions were good, and many herds were being supplemented with hay. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Oct 16, 2024 The pasture and rangeland in North Texas were fair to good, and the subsoil and topsoil moisture levels were short and adequate. Some parts of the district received rain ranging from 0.5-1.5 inches. The overall temperature remained high with some daytime temperatures slightly cooler. Pastures were observed as struggling, and livestock were observed as doing well. Some hay, grain sorghum and corn were harvested. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Sept 5, 2024

Temperatures were above normal in Far West Texas, and conditions remained dry. Some parts of the district were significantly worse off than other areas. Soil moisture was critically low and hindering wheat planting and seed germination. Wheat continued to be planted, but earlier-emerged oats and wheat needed rain. Farmers cut and baled late-season hay. Many cotton fields were shredded due to bolls falling off from extreme heat. The cotton harvest on irrigated acres was ramping up. Early varieties of pecans were being harvested at average prices. Winter grass growth slowed due to dry conditions, with reports of armyworms on early planted wheat. Supplemental feeding continued for livestock, which remained in good condition despite the dry pastures. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Oct 29, 2024 Hot and dry conditions continued in Far West Texas before temperatures dropped into the upper 60s and rain fell over most of the district. Rain amounts ranged from trace amounts to 2 inches with more rain in the forecast. Topsoil and subsoil moisture levels were still very short. Cooler temperatures let the cotton crop recover and hang on to a few more bolls. Cotton bolls were beginning to open in the earliest planted fields. Some wheat was expected to be planted soon. Cantaloupe and watermelon were growing well but nearing the end of the growing season. Pecans were growing. Rangeland and pasture conditions remained in very poor condition. The moisture could help pastures with some late-season forage growth. Livestock were in poor to fair condition. Supplemental feeding was necessary in most livestock operations. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Sept 5, 2024

The weather in West Central Texas was warmer than normal and dry, with highs reported in the low 90s and lows in the upper 50s. No precipitation was reported, and winds were high. Cotton yields were coming in much lower than expected, with a large majority of cotton fields being zeroed out due to drought. Wheat was suffering, and armyworms were being reported in fields. Fields planted with seeds treated against armyworms were not being eaten, but overall most wheat fields had yet to emerge. The district needed rain to improve soil moisture, rangeland and growing conditions. Livestock were in fair condition, and there was a continued need to feed livestock and wildlife. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Oct 29, 2024 Higher temperatures prevailed in West Central Texas, with no precipitation recorded, leading to another hot, dry week with daily highs in the mid-90s. Temperatures remained above normal. Some farmers successfully harvested the second round of hay grazer and third round of coastal hay, achieving good tonnage per acre. While many producers began planting wheat, some opted to wait until November. Others continued to dust in wheat and oats, hoping for rain. Emerged wheat required additional moisture, and while dryland cotton showed some progress with lower bolls starting to open, the overall crop remained poor due to summer drought conditions. Pecan harvest began, but results were inconsistent. Pastures remained in fair condition, providing decent grazing. Range showed limited new growth of warm-season grasses due to cooler nighttime temperatures. Livestock were generally in acceptable condition, but some producers fed hay and supplemental protein as smaller stock tanks rapidly declined. The market for cattle was active, with stocker steers selling at steady to slightly lower prices, while feeder steers and heifers showed modest gains. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Oct 16, 2024 Recent weather brought some relief to West Central Texas with cooler temperatures and scattered rain showers, averaging around 0.5 inches for the week. While these conditions eased the intense heat of recent weeks, the district remained critically dry, impacting crops and pastures. Forages resumed some growth, but many warm-season crops and pecan trees continued to suffer from drought stress. Field preparations were underway for fall planting, though more moisture was needed to proceed. Livestock conditions were stable but impacted by reduced forage quality and water shortages, leading some producers to sell cattle. Overall, while cooler temperatures were a welcomed change, the area still faced severe dry conditions and the need for more substantial rainfall. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Sept 5, 2024

Conditions remained very dry in the Panhandle. Overall, soil moisture levels were reported from adequate to very short. The corn and grain sorghum harvests continued, and forage sorghum continued to be chopped as fields dried to suitable moisture contents. The cotton harvest was getting underway as harvest aid applications were applied to most fields within the past few weeks. Upper-canopy bolls had opened nicely given the number of sunny, relatively warm days available to reach final maturity. There were no major wind or storm events that would have degraded the cotton fiber. Any additional rainfall would help recently emerged small grain and winter cover crops. Supplemental feeding of cows continued. Pasture and rangeland conditions were very poor to fair, with overall crop conditions reported as poor to good. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Oct 29, 2024 Warm temperatures and dry conditions continued across the Panhandle. The harvest of feed grain and forage crops continued. Oilseed crops, particularly cotton, were reaching their final stages of maturity. Many cotton fields received harvest aids. The emergence and establishment of fall-planted small grain crops appeared to be progressing well; however, additional precipitation will be necessary to support their early growth and development. Pasture conditions continued to decline, with overall soil moisture levels that ranged from very short to adequate. Pasture and rangeland conditions varied from very poor to fair, while overall crop conditions ranged from poor to good. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Oct 16, 2024 Some Panhandle counties received scattered showers, while others received measurable rainfall. Conditions overall were favorable for the final phases of maturity for most crops. Harvesting of feed grains got underway and continued in fields targeted for forage-silage. Corn harvest continued. Cotton harvest was expected to begin after the first killing frost, which typically takes place around Oct. 10. Pastures started to show signs of dormancy with little grazing quality. Overall soil moisture was very short to adequate. Pasture and rangeland conditions were very poor to fair and crops were poor to good. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Oct 1, 2024 Dry weather and heat continued in the Panhandle. Wheat planting progressed slowly, with most producers waiting for moisture. The corn harvest was more active, and the soybean and sorghum harvests started. Rangeland and pastures went dormant, and late haying continued. Overall soil moisture was very short to short. Pasture and rangeland conditions were very poor to fair, and overall crop conditions were poor to good. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Sept 17, 2024 The Panhandle experienced extreme heat and drought conditions. Livestock producers supplemented with hay and protein. Wheat planting began in irrigated circles intended for fall pasture. The corn crop started to dry down in many early planted fields, with harvest expected to begin soon. Rangeland was going dormant. Overall soil moisture ranged from very short to short, and pasture and range conditions were very poor to fair. Overall, crop conditions were poor to good. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Sept 5, 2024

Canyon Lake was nearly 27 feet low, and 23 boat ramps were no longer in use due to low water levels. Boat ramp #18 will close on Nov. 1 because it has just 14 feet of ramp with a steep drop at the end, making it too dangerous to use. The flow of the Guadalupe River into Canyon Lake was very weak. KABB-TV FOX 29 San Antonio (Texas), Oct 31, 2024

Dry weather in Illinois hastened the harvest, but slowed fieldwork. The dry ground was too hard for some tillage tools. Vertical drilling was not possible because the machine would not go into the ground. Some farmers with newer rippers with rolling baskets were able to get through the field. Those with older tools were leaving enormous clods of dirt. Field fires have also been a problem as the strong winds and low humidity have fueled fires across the state. Heat and drought have also delayed applications of anhydrous ammonia. The soil also needs to be somewhat moist to capture the ammonia or it is wasted. Farm Week Now (Bloomington, Ill.), Oct 31, 2024

The soybean harvest was about four weeks ahead. In Langlade, Marinette, Oconto and Shawano counties, many farms were done harvesting at a time when farmers would typically begin to harvest. Dry weather has hurt crop quality. While soybeans are ideally sold at 14% moisture, farmers were finding the beans at 10% or lower. Soybeans were also smaller than normal. Cover crops have been planted since the harvest was completed earlier than usual, but the lack of moisture in the soil has slowed germination. In drought-affected corn fields, there were more broken stalks and fallen cobs, lowering potential yields. Wisconsin Public Radio (Madison), Oct 24, 2024

Rainfall has been scarce in New Jersey for much of the year. At present, farmers need moisture so they can plant cover crops, winter wheat and other crops. The crops most affected by the drought were corn, soybeans and cranberries. The berries require a lot of water, but crop losses ranged from 30% to 80%. KYW-AM 1060 Philadelphia (Pa.), Oct 31, 2024

Drought was intensifying in Oklahoma with 34 counties under burn bans. In Cotton County, a wheat grower dusted in his crop in early September. The hot weather in September and October stressed the small plants and some were dying. Stocker cattle would normally graze on the young wheat, but were being fed stockpiled forages and grasses instead. Other area cow/calf operators were also out of forage pasture for the year and were feeding stockpiled hay. The little existing grass that had not yet gone dormant was drought-stressed and could be high in nitrates, which are harmful to cattle health. Water sources need to be monitored for quality when drought dries up ponds. Producers were not restocking their cattle herds, and the Oklahoma cattle herd has been low over the past three years. Pastures and other resources have not yet recovered from previous drought as a new episode of drought gripped the state. Cattle numbers were so low that the dry conditions were not forcing ranchers to sell any additional cattle. Farm Progress (St. Charles, Ill.), Oct 31, 2024

The 200-year-old Great Crossings Bridge at Youghiogheny River Lake in Somerset County has reemerged as drought lowered the water level. The bridge is normally 50 feet underwater. The three arches of the Great Crossings Bridge were last visible in 1998. WTAE-TV (Pittsburg, Pa.), Oct 31, 2024

A cattle producer in Hope Hull will have to feed hay earlier than normal as drought diminished pasture growth. Forage production has been less than half of normal during the latter part of the growing season. Dry conditions may necessitate that he begins irrigating, which will add to the cost of producing his crops. WSFA (Montgomery, Ala.), Oct 30, 2024

Soybeans in Bucks County were not worth harvesting as conditions have been very dry since the start of July. Soybean and corn yields were less than half of normal. WTXF-TV FOX 29 Philadelphia (Pa.), Oct 28, 2024

Dry conditions put the crop harvest at least two weeks ahead of schedule in Chippewa, Dunn and Eau Claire counties. The corn harvest was about 12 days ahead of schedule, per the USDA’s crop progress report. Dry weather has hurt crop quality. While soybeans are ideally sold at 14% moisture, farmers were finding the beans at 10% or lower. Soybeans were also smaller than normal. Cover crops have been planted since the harvest was completed earlier than usual, but the lack of moisture in the soil has slowed germination. In drought-affected corn fields, there were more broken stalks and fallen cobs, lowering potential yields Wisconsin Public Radio (Madison), Oct 24, 2024