AgriLife Extension district reporters compiled the following summaries:
Rolling Plains
Repeated red-flag warning days of high winds across the area took their toll on soil moisture. Any gains from recent rains and wintery mixes were mostly eliminated. The high winds and blowing dust could lead to health concerns for livestock, but the extent remained unknown. Dry conditions and sustained high winds in the forecast increased concerns for wildfires across the Rolling Plains. A widespread, long-lasting precipitation event was needed to improve conditions.
South Plains
Very dry conditions continued across the district. 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.
Panhandle
The district experienced a wind event with gusts approaching 80 mph late in the week. Such conditions pulled additional moisture from the soil profile and led to greater erosion. With extreme winds and very low humidity, the area experienced several wildfires. Temperatures were favorable for steady growth of small grains and other cool-season crops. A considerable number of operators shipped livestock, especially stocker calves from winter pasture to market. Overall, soil moisture ranged from very short to adequate. Pasture and rangeland conditions were very poor to fair. Overall, crop conditions were poor to good.
Far West
Multiple days of extremely high winds in the 45-65 mph range stopped all field activities 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.
West Central
All areas needed rain, with very high winds reported late in the week. Some areas received trace amounts up to 1 inch of rainfall. High winds were expected, and no rain appeared in the 10-day forecast. Warm and dry conditions continued throughout the week, with extreme fire danger. Recent winds, lack of rainfall and abovenormal temperatures set back rangeland and pastures. Sustained high winds with damaging gusts affected the area, with conditions remaining dry with low humidity. Wheat was in extreme need of rain. Wind gusts over 65 mph for over eight hours late in the week caused some damage to farm structures. Soil temperatures rose. Some late cool-season forbs and grass emerged. Producers began planting sorghum fields, though many were waiting for rain as the soil profile had little moisture. In areas that received measurable rainfall, wheat improved somewhat, though some fields sustained damage from blowing sand and erosion during the lateweek windstorm. Field preparation continued for spring planting, but rain was needed before any dryland planting will start. Irrigated corn and sorghum planting had started. Some field preparation for spring forage planting occurred, but grazing was short in almost all fields. Pastures were dry and offered little to no grazing, with limited water in running streams. Supplemental feeding of livestock continued as stock tank levels declined. Livestock were in fair condition heading into spring. Some stockers were pulled off wheat and sold, with stock pond water levels ranging from fair to low. Cattle markets remained strong, with good demand. Prices for stocker steers were steady to $5 higher per hundredweight, and stocker heifer prices were steady to $3 higher. Pairs and bred cows sold steady.