Temperatures were below normal for the majority of Wyoming for the week ending May 15, 2022, according to the Mountain Regional Field Office of the National Agricultural Statistics Service, USDA.

In some areas of the northwest, temperatures ran as much as 8.0 degrees below normal. In parts of the east, however, temperatures were above normal.

Once again, most areas received below normal amounts of precipitation, though remote areas of the eastern part of the State received 1.5 inches of moisture, while remote areas of the northwest received 1.1 inches of moisture.

According to the United States Drought Monitor for May 12, 2022, the amount of land rated as abnormally dry was 7.2 percent, up from 5.9 percent last week. Moderate drought was found in 41.5 percent of the state compared to 38.4 percent last week. Severe drought fell slightly to 45.6 percent compared to 47.6 percent last week. Extreme drought fell to 5.7 percent compared to 8.1 percent the previous week.

A report from Big Horn County indicated that much needed rain was received, though the north end of the county was still extremely dry.

Pastures improved with the moisture received in Goshen County, though resulting field conditions delayed corn planting.

The spring warming trend continued in Lincoln County and irrigation water was being regulated.

Emerging crops and pastures benefitted from the moisture received in Platte County, though southern portions of the county remained dry. Farmers hoped for ongoing weekly rains to keep pastures in condition for grazing.

Barley planting was 93 percent complete, compared to 88 percent last week.

Sugarbeet planting was 88 percent complete, compared to 60 percent last week.

Corn planting was reportedly 34 percent complete, compared to 43 percent planted this time last year.

Irrigation water supplies were rated 23 percent poor, 57 percent fair, and 20 percent good, compared to 3 percent very poor, 28 percent poor, 52 percent fair, and 17 percent good last week.

Stock water supplies across Wyoming were rated 21 percent very short, 27 percent short, 51 percent adequate, and 1 percent surplus, compared to 25 percent very short, 32 percent short, 42 percent adequate, and 1 percent surplus last week.

Cattle death loss was rated as 10 percent heavy, 51 percent average, and 39 percent light.

Sheep death loss was rated as 8 percent heavy, 62 percent average, and 30 percent light.