This week brought much needed precipitation and cooler temperatures to most of Wyoming, according to the Mountain Regional Field Office of the National Agricultural Statistics Service, USDA.

Most of the State received 0.4 inches or more of rainfall this week. Counties along the western border received substantial moisture, with some areas reporting over an inch of rainfall.

Albany, Goshen, and Platte counties all reported significant rainfall this week. Big Horn County reported significant rainfall as well, but not enough moisture was received to improve grazing conditions or stock water supplies.

Much of the State experienced below average temperatures for this time of year. Daily temperatures for most of the central and western portions of the State were 2 to 3 degrees below average. However, daily temperatures for counties along the eastern border of the State ranged from average to 3 degrees above average for this time of year.

According to the United States Drought Monitor for August 19, 2021, 99.6 percent of the State is experiencing drought conditions, compared to 98.1 percent last week. The amount of land rated as abnormally dry was 5.3 percent, a slight increase from 5.0 percent last week. Moderate drought was present across 34.4 percent of the State, a 6.5 percent increase from 32.3 percent last week. Severe drought covered 29.4 percent of the State, compared to 30.6 percent last week. Extreme drought conditions increased slightly from 30.2 percent last week to 30.5 percent of the State this week. 

Despite the much-needed moisture received this week, there were multiple reports that the rainfall was too late to help this year’s crops.

Reporters from Lincoln County noted that the rain improved rangeland conditions but did not improve crop conditions. There were similar comments from Niobrara County of welcomed rain, but not enough to make up for the lack of rainfall received this year.

Albany county reported that most of the hay is now harvested, and pastures remain in good condition.

Platte county reported that the rain improved pasture conditions and will help with winter wheat planting. The third cutting of alfalfa hay was reported at 12 percent harvested this week, compared to 21 percent harvested this time last year.

Barley harvest is continuing ahead of last year, with harvest reported at 71 percent complete this week, compared to 62 percent harvested this time last year. Winter wheat planting is underway, with planting reported at 3 percent complete.

Stock water supplies across Wyoming were rated 30 percent very short, 40 percent short, 29 percent adequate, and 1 percent surplus, compared to 37 percent very short, 42 percent short, and 21 percent adequate last week.

Irrigation water supplies were rated 39 percent very poor, 14 percent poor, 19 percent fair, 20 percent good, and 8 percent excellent.