Precipitation levels were virtually zero for the majority of Wyoming for the week ending October 16, 2022, according to the Mountain Regional Field Office of the National Agricultural Statistics Service.

The exception was in isolated northern portions of the State. Some areas of Johnson, Big Horn, and Sheridan Counties received totals of about 0.2 to 0.4 inches of moisture. Portions of Campbell, Crook, Johnson, Park, and Weston Counties also received some moisture. Levels in these areas were in a range of trace to about 0.15 inches.

Temperatures were at or above normal in Wyoming, reaching as much as 8 degrees above average in parts of the west.

Drought conditions showed minimal improvement from last week. According to the US Drought Monitor for October 13, 2022, the amount of land rated drought free increased to 18.7 percent, compared to 18.2 percent the previous week. The amount of land rated abnormally dry fell to 34.8 percent, a decrease 0.3 percentage points from last week. Moderate drought stood at 26.4 percent, compared to 26.7 percent the previous week. Severe drought sat at 16.6 percent, an increase of 0.2 percentage points. Extreme drought was nearly unchanged at 3.5 percent, compared to 3.6 percent the previous week.

With the continuing drought in Goshen County, many livestock producers have already grazed their winter pastures and were feeding hay. There were major sales of livestock and deep culling in herds. Calves were being weaned early due to the dry conditions. A fourth cutting of alfalfa was underway in irrigated fields.

Moisture was needed in Lincoln County as conditions remained dry and cool.

Irrigation water supplies across the State were rated 24 percent very poor, 13 percent poor, 16 percent fair, and 47 percent good, compared to 32 percent very poor, 9 percent poor, 21 percent fair, and 38 percent good last week.

Stock water supplies across Wyoming were rated 14 percent very short, 46 percent short, and 40 percent adequate, compared to 15 percent very short, 37 percent short, and 48 percent adequate last week.