Page 16 - MWC 3-10-2022s

The Midwest Cattleman · March 10, 2022 · P16
Drought Coverage Now Rivals 2012

Wheat Belt and Cattle Country Conditions Continue to Crumble

Drought covering the con-
tinental U.S. grew by 2 points
last week, now covering nearly
60% of the country. As drought
continues to grow, it’s now ri-
valing the 2012 drought, when
drought coverage peaked at
65.5% of the U.S in September
2012.
USDA meteorologist Brad
Rippey says when you step
back and look at the broader
picture, drought is still parked
over 59% of the U.S., the most
since 2012. While he has grow-
ing concerns for the state of
drought today, he says his big-
gest trepidation sits with one
major crop. to short at the end of Febru- As drought has gripped outlook doesn’t paint much
“By far the Wheat Belt is ary.” much of the West all year, the hope for those areas, either. As
the biggest concern,” says Rip- Some farmers say wheat streak is historic. Rippey says it shows drought persisting, or
pey. If you look at crop condi- on dryland acres hasn’t even drought has now covered more even intensifying through the
tions in areas where the crops sprouted yet, as the crop is than 40% of the country for 75 end of May. Rippey says La
are starting to actively grow. running out of time. weeks. That beat the previous Nina is lending no favors to
It's absolutely terrible.” “We are into showtime in record set from June 19, 2012 areas seeing the stubbornness
Wheat conditions are show- the South and Texas, wheat is through October 1, 2013 of 68 of drought.
ing the scars from little to no already heading out in the far weeks by a long shot. “It doesn't look like there's
moisture. Rippey says the southern portion of the state,” The latest season drought going to be any big change be-
story can be found in wheat says Rippey. “Statewide, I
conditions from Texas to Kan- think about one-eighth of the Annual
sas, but also pasture condi- crop is reporting heading, and
tions that continue to struggle so it is time for growth. Plants Open-House & Private Treaty
from little to no rain. are demanding moisture. And
“In Texas, you have despite a couple of winter Bull Sale
three-quarters of the winter storms, recently, a little bit of
wheat crop rated in very poor ice and snow in Texas, it is so Registered Angus Bulls, APRIL
condition. Almost that much critically dry. Without any big
of the range land and pasture- change in the pattern, that Bred Heifers and Cows 2nd
land - 69% currently rated will quickly spread northward
very poor to poor and soil mois- into Kansas, Nebraska, and
ture in Kansas, Oklahoma and eventually the western Dako-
Texas. At least 75% very short tas and Montana over the next
few weeks."

HOPEWELL FARMS

REGISTERED ANGUS

24247 Monroe Rd 836 ~ Paris, MO 65275
Office: 660-327-5277 ~ Cell: 573-721-5596
hopewell@hopewellfarmsangus.com
www.HopewellFarmsAngus.com
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