Wyoming experienced a dry week with above average temperatures, according to the Mountain Regional Field Office of the National Agricultural Statistics Service, USDA.

Rainfall totals were a quarter inch or less for most of the State.

Lincoln County reported that there was no moisture this week and Niobrara County reported exceptionally dry conditions. Natrona county, however, received over 3 inches of rainfall.

Along with a lack of moisture, the State experienced above average temperatures this week. Temperatures throughout the western and central portions of the State were 2 to 4 degrees above average for this time of year. Counties in the northeastern corner continue to be very warm, with daily temperatures 4 to 8 degrees above normal. Goshen County reported unseasonably warm temperatures.

With minimal moisture received, drought conditions continue to persist. According to the United States Drought Monitor for September 30, 2021, the amount of land rated as abnormally dry was 2.1 percent, compared to 3.2 percent last week. Moderate drought was present across 27.5 percent of the State, a decrease from 32.9 percent last week. Severe drought increased to cover 41.1 percent of the State, a 6.2 percent increase from 38.7 percent last week. Extreme drought conditions increased from 25.2 percent last week to 29.3 percent of the State this week. For the third week in a row, 100.0 percent of the State is experiencing drought conditions. 

Reports from Lincoln County indicate producers are beginning to make plans to sell down livestock herds. There are continuing comments of extremely high hay prices and limited availability.

Weston county producers are preparing cattle for the fall and are finishing up buying hay for the winter. There are reports that hay is being imported from up to 800 miles away. Harvest of corn for grain began this week, with harvest reported at 1 percent complete.

Sugarbeet harvest continues to progress ahead of last year, with harvest reported at 48 percent complete, compared to 26 percent complete this time last year.

Emergence of winter wheat is at 51 percent this week, compared to 54 percent emerged this time last year.

Stock water supplies across Wyoming were rated 37 percent very short, 49 percent short, and 14 percent adequate, compared to 34 percent very short, 54 percent short, and 12 percent adequate last week.

Irrigation water supplies were rated 20 percent very poor, 42 percent poor, 16 percent fair, and 22 percent good.