After months of dry and dusty conditions, the High Plains region has finally received some rainfall, bringing much-needed relief to local farmers and ranchers. The recent showers have helped replenish soil moisture levels, providing a timely boost for spring crops and pasture growth.
Rain has especially benefited early-stage crops like cotton, corn, and sorghum. Soil temperatures have recently warmed, creating nice conditions for germination and early growth. While the moisture is appreciated, the storms have also brought strong winds and some hail in certain areas, posing significant risks to vulnerable seedlings.
High winds can damage young plants and delay their development, while hailstorms—even brief ones—can severely impact yield potential. Additionally, the rainfall has delayed some fieldwork and planting schedules.
HPWD Precinct 5 district director Jeremy Reed observed that conditions across Floyd, Hale, and Swisher counties varied, with some areas receiving more moisture than others.
Mr. Reed noted that some farmers are expanding their corn acreage for silage to support local dairies, while others are shifting toward sorghum as the economics of cotton have become less viable.
U.S. cotton prices have declined to around 66 cents per pound as of June 2025, down from 76.1 cents per pound in the previous season. This drop, driven by weak demand and increased supply, prompts many producers to reconsider their crop choices.
“Farmers can’t do this without rain and the help from the Good Lord,”said Jeremy Reed. Fortunately, the season has had a better start than anticipated, offering a hopeful outlook for local producers.
HPWD has approximately fifty sites with tipping bucket rain gages equipped with telemetry. The average rain collected at these sites for May 2025 is shown in the table below.
Looking Ahead
The moisture might not last long with summer fast approaching and temperatures expected to rise. Experts warn that triple-digit heat and persistent winds could quickly deplete surface moisture, making continued rainfall critical in the coming weeks.
Despite the risks, the overall sentiment among farmers remains cautiously optimistic. With the recent rain offering a much-needed lift, there’s hope that the weather will cooperate through the season.