Moisture levels were once again mostly below normal for the week ending June 26, 2022, according to the Mountain Regional Field Office of the National Agricultural Statistics Service, USDA. Only portions of the northwest, southwest, and minor parts of east central Wyoming received totals that were above normal.

Temperatures were also mostly below normal for most of the State. In isolated areas of the State, temperatures ran as much as 5 degrees below normal.

According to the United States Drought Monitor for June 23, 2022, the amount of land that was drought free stood at 7.8 percent, up from last week’s 7.3 percent. The amount of land rated as abnormally dry was 28.5 percent, up from 28.1 percent last week. Moderate drought fell to 35.7 percent of the State, compared to 41.1 percent last week. Severe drought increased to 23.5 percent, compared to 19.0 percent last week. Extreme drought sat at 4.5 percent, unchanged from last week.

Hail hit some areas of southern Goshen County. Irrigation systems were up and running though days for use were cut back.

A report from Platte County indicated that though some showers were received, dryness prevailed and irrigation allocations were in place. Early hay cuttings in irrigated fields looked good, while non-irrigated fields and grasses remained patchy due to the dryness. More moisture was needed to end the drought.

Lincoln County had their first week of warm weather that was sufficient for good plant growth and growth soared in many forage fields. More irrigation water and sustaining rains were needed without the damaging effects of strong thunderstorms.

Irrigation water supplies across the State were rated 14 percent poor, 46 percent fair, 39 percent good, and 1 percent excellent, compared to 8 percent poor, 55 percent fair, 36 percent good, and 1 percent excellent last week.

Stock water supplies across Wyoming were rated 17 percent short and 83 percent adequate, compared to 1 percent very short, 10 percent short, and 89 percent adequate last week.