Wyoming received widespread precipitation this week, according to the Mountain Regional Field Office of the National Agricultural Statistics Service, USDA.

Precipitation totals ranged from 0.1 to 0.3 inches for most of the State. The late moisture received in October improved average precipitation totals for the month. For October, precipitation totals ranged from average to 1.5 inches above average for most of the State. The late fall moisture will not help current pasture conditions, but reporters from Big Horn County are hopeful it will help spring grazing conditions.

In Lincoln County, reporters indicated the precipitation improved topsoil moisture levels, but more moisture is needed to improve subsoil conditions. Temperatures, although cooler compared to the previous two weeks, were still unseasonably warm. Temperatures this week ranged 2 to 6 degrees above average for this time of year.

According to the United States Drought Monitor for October 28, 2021, the amount of land rated as abnormally dry was 5.9 percent, an increase from 2.1 percent last week. Moderate drought was present across 29.9 percent of the State, a decrease of 3.8 percentage points from 33.7 percent last week. Severe drought increased to cover 47.2 percent of the State, compared to 42.2 percent last week. Extreme drought conditions decreased from 22.0 percent last week to 17.0 percent of the State this week. Overall, 100.0 percent of the State continues to experience drought conditions. 

Goshen County reported improved soil moisture from the wintry precipitation received this week. There were also reports that the moisture is aiding winter wheat germination.

Sugarbeet harvest is nearing completion, with harvest reported at 91 percent complete this week, compared to 95 percent complete this time last year.

Corn harvested for grain remains behind last year, but on par with the five-year average. Harvest was reported at 44 percent complete this week, compared to 79 percent completed this time last year and a five-year average of 46 percent completed by this time.

Hay and roughage supplies were rated 21 percent very short, 40 percent short, 38 percent adequate, and 1 percent surplus.

Stock water supplies across Wyoming were rated 17 percent very short, 46 percent short, and 37 percent adequate compared to 20 percent very short, 48 percent short, 31 percent adequate, and 1 percent surplus last week.