Precipitation totals varied and temperatures remained above average for Wyoming this week, according to the Mountain Regional Field Office of the National Agricultural Statistics Service, USDA.

Much of the State received between 0.1 and 0.7 inches of moisture this week and Lincoln and Big Horn counties reported snowfall at higher elevations. The western border of the State received substantial moisture, with totals over one inch for some areas. Counties in the southeastern corner remained dry, with precipitation totals only reaching 0.02 inches in most places.

Goshen County reported another dry week, noting only trace amounts of precipitation received over the last month. Lincoln county reported significant moisture this week. The moisture was too late to help this year’s crops but will be helpful for next year’s runoff.

The State once again experienced unseasonably warm temperatures. The western border and southwestern corner of the State had average to 4 degrees above average temperatures, while counties in the central portion of the State were slightly warmer with temperatures 4 to 8 degrees above average. Counties along the eastern border and northeastern corner of the State were the hottest this week, with temperatures 8 to 12 degrees above average.

According to the United States Drought Monitor for October 7, 2021, 100.0 percent of the State continues to experience drought conditions. The amount of land experiencing abnormally dry and moderate drought conditions remained unchanged at 2.1 percent and 27.5 percent, respectively. Severe drought was present across 37.4 percent of the State, a decrease from 41.1 percent last week. Extreme drought conditions increased to cover 33.0 percent of the State, roughly a 12.6 percent increase from 29.3 percent last week. 

Platte County reported some moisture was received this week, but it is too late to improve pasture conditions. There were also reports from Platte County that sugarbeet harvest is now underway.

Reports from Lincoln County indicate sheep herds are being moved onto winter ranges. Harvest of fall crops continues. The third cutting of alfalfa hay was reported at 85 percent harvested this week. Harvest of corn for grain was reported at 10 percent complete this week and harvest of corn for silage was almost finished this week, with harvest reported at 99 percent complete.

Dry edible bean harvest is 91 percent complete and sugarbeet harvest is 50 percent complete. Winter wheat planting wrapped up this week, with planting reported at 99 percent.

Stock water supplies across Wyoming were rated 28 percent very short, 48 percent short, 23 percent adequate, and 1 percent surplus compared to 37 percent very short, 49 percent short, and 14 percent adequate last week.

Irrigation water supplies were rated 13 percent very poor, 45 percent poor, 16 percent fair, and 26 percent good.