Note: The next monthly report will be released during the week of March 28. Weekly reports resume during the week of April 4.

Most areas of the state experienced above average temperatures in February, according to the Mountain Regional Field Office of the National Agricultural Statistics Service, USDA.

Snow totals were slightly above average in isolated areas, but for the most part, accumulated moisture ran below the norm. Lower than average snowpack totals caused concern for farmers in Lincoln County. In Laramie County snow fall was below average, followed by drying winds.

Dryness in Sheridan County continued to impact ranges and livestock. Good forage was lacking. In Weston County dryness also persisted.

Water reserves remained low, and ranchers provided supplemental feed to livestock at above average rates. Some operations were selling yearling livestock early. Goshen County also reported dry and windy weather.

Platte County received a few snowstorms, but accumulations were below average which did little to improve ground moisture levels.

According to the United States Drought Monitor released on February 17, 2022, the amount of land rated as abnormally dry was 2.4 percent, down from 2.7 percent on January 18. Moderate drought was present across 30.8 percent of the State, a decrease from 31.5 percent last month. Severe drought covered 55.7 percent of the State, compared with 61.1 percent last month, and extreme drought conditions covered 11.1 percent of the State, up from 4.6 percent last month.

Hay and roughage supplies for Wyoming were rated 29 percent very short, 28 percent short, and 43 percent adequate, compared with 13 percent very short, 42 percent short, 44 percent adequate, and 1 percent surplus last month.

Stock water supplies across Wyoming were rated 10 percent very short, 36 percent short, 53 percent adequate, and 1 percent surplus, compared with 11 percent very short, 28 percent short, 60 percent adequate, and 1 percent surplus last month.