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

Most of the State received trace amounts of moisture, with total rainfall measured at 0.01 inches for the week in most places. The exceptions were counties along the western border, which received 0.1 inches of moisture. Goshen county had no reports of rain showers this week and Lincoln County reported persisting dry conditions.

Average daily temperatures ranged 2 to 8 degrees above average this week for the State. Average high temperatures were 6 to 12 degrees above average for this time of the year. According to the United States Drought Monitor for September 9, 2021, 99.8 percent of the State continues to experience drought conditions. The amount of land rated as abnormally dry was 3.8 percent, unchanged from last week. Moderate drought was present across 33.1 percent of the State, a decrease from 35.5 percent last week. Severe drought covered 36.0 percent of the State, roughly a 7.0 percent increase from 33.6 percent last week. Extreme drought conditions remained at 26.9 percent of the State. 

Weston County producers continue to sell down livestock herds. Comments from Weston County indicated there has been little change in conditions and pastures remain depleted. Winter wheat planting continued this week – planting was reported at 26 percent complete, compared to 28 percent complete this time last year. Corn was reported at 14 percent mature this week, compared to 21 percent mature this time last year.

Harvest of multiple crops is well underway. Harvest of the third cutting of alfalfa hay is slightly ahead of last year. Harvest was reported 53 percent complete this week, compared to 45 percent complete this time last year.

Corn harvested for silage and dry edible bean harvest continues slightly ahead of last year as well. Corn harvested for silage was reported at 30 percent complete this week, compared to 23 percent this time last year and dry edible bean harvest was reported at 22 percent complete, compared to 20 percent this time last year.

Sugarbeet harvest is progressing approximately two and a half weeks ahead of last year, with harvest reported at 16 percent complete this week.

Stock water supplies across Wyoming were rated 33 percent very short, 50 percent short, and 17 percent adequate, compared to 33 percent very short, 41 percent short, 25 percent adequate, and 1 percent surplus last week.

Irrigation water supplies were rated 32 percent very poor, 31 percent poor, 13 percent fair, and 24 percent good.