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

Counties along the western border received much needed moisture this week, with rainfall totals over half an inch in some areas. There was scarce precipitation for areas in the central and eastern portions of the State. Scattered areas received 0.25 inches of rainfall, with many areas receiving no significant rainfall.

Niobrara and Lincoln counties reported no moisture this week. Much of the State experienced average temperatures during the week. Average daily temperatures ranged from 2 degrees above to 2 degrees below normal temperatures for this time of year. Temperatures in the northwestern corner dipped 4 degrees below normal while temperatures in the southeastern corner reached 3 degrees above normal.

Lincoln county reported cooler daytime temperatures, with nighttime temperatures reaching freezing. Despite scattered precipitation received this week, drought conditions remained mostly unchanged.

According to the United States Drought Monitor for August 26, 2021, the amount of land rated as abnormally dry was 4.9 percent, compared to 5.3 percent last week. Moderate drought was present across 35.0 percent of the State, compared to 34.4 percent last week. Severe drought and extreme drought conditions remained unchanged at 29.4 percent and 30.5 percent of the State, respectively. Overall, 99.8 percent of the State is experiencing drought conditions, a slight increase from 99.6 percent last week. 

Platte county reported cooler temperatures this week improved non-irrigated pasture conditions. Comments from Goshen and Weston counties indicated another week of warm temperatures and spotty rainfall. Despite the spotty rainfall in Weston County, the county remains dry and water sources are stressed. Grass conditions remain poor and with increased hay prices, the county is seeing ranchers sell livestock earlier than normal.

Corn was reported at 22 percent dented this week, compared to 26 percent dented this time last year. Dry edible beans are 17 percent cut, compared to 20 percent cut this time last year. Harvest of the second cutting of alfalfa hay is nearing completion, with harvest reported at 95 percent this week.

Winter wheat planting continues - planting was reported at 7 percent this week compared to 3 percent planted this time last year.

Stock water supplies across Wyoming were rated 32 percent very short, 43 percent short, 24 percent adequate, and 1 percent surplus, compared to 30 percent very short, 40 percent short, 29 percent adequate, and 1 percent surplus last week.

Irrigation water supplies were rated 19 percent very poor, 19 percent poor, 22 percent fair, 29 percent good, and 11 percent excellent.