This week brought nominal precipitation to Wyoming, according to the Mountain Regional Field Office of the National Agricultural Statistics Service, USDA.

Much of the State was extremely dry last week, receiving 0.02 inches or less of precipitation; however, some counties in Southeast Wyoming did receive some much-needed moisture. Both Lincoln and Goshen counties reported dry conditions with hot days and cold nights.

This week brought average to above average temperatures to most of the State apart from Northcentral Wyoming, which was slightly below normal. Overall, daily temperatures ranged from 3 degree above normal to 2 degrees below normal.

According to the United States Drought Monitor for August 12, 2021, the amount of land rated as abnormally dry was 5.0 percent, compared to 5.1 percent last week. Moderate drought was present across 32.3 percent of the State, a slight increase from 31.9 percent last week. Severe drought covered 30.6 percent of the State, roughly a 19 percent increase from 25.8 percent last week. Extreme drought conditions decreased from 35.1 percent last week to 30.2 percent of the State this week. Overall, 98.1 percent of the State is experiencing drought conditions, a slight increase from 97.9 percent last week. 

There were multiple reports of worsening conditions due to the dry weather this week. Platte county reported spotty moisture that resulted in grass regrowth. Producers in this area are baling hay from areas that are not normally hayed.

In Goshen county the dry weather has delayed dry-land winter wheat planting. Winter wheat harvest was reported at 97 percent complete. Barley harvest was reported at 65 percent complete this week, compared to 50 percent harvested this time last year. Three-quarters of dry edible beans had set pods by the end of the week, with 24 percent turning color.

Stock water supplies across Wyoming were rated 37 percent very short, 42 percent short, and 21 percent adequate, compared to 30 percent very short, 40 percent short, and 30 percent adequate last week.

Irrigation water supplies were rated 30 percent very poor, 12 percent poor, 28 percent fair, 22 percent good, and 8 percent excellent.