The drought monitor report as of Tuesday, June 6 indicates exceptional drought in our area has mostly retreated to extreme drought. There is a much smaller pocket than last week of exceptional drought to our north and west with a sliver in Rice and Ellsworth Counties. Overall, in the western half of the state and extreme Southeast Kansas, conditions are continuing to improve to moderate drought. The six to ten-day outlook (June 13 to 17) indicates near normal temperatures and a 33 to 40% chance of leaning to above normal precipitation. The eight to 14-day outlook (June 15 to 21) indicates a continued 40 to 50% chance of above normal temperatures and normal precipitation. What does this significant precipitation means for the 2023 cropping season?

• This was a more generalized rain than many for the area but there was variation. Many areas received two plus inches over several days while some spots less. But combined with the active weather pattern of the last several weeks, most of Western Kansas benefitted greatly, especially the NW and SW corners and areas near the Colorado border. And the precipitation fell over several days and primarily with an intensity that allowed good infiltration. This weekend has the chance for more of the same.

• This is obvious but the drought isn’t over. Our area was in “Exceptional Drought” or the worst possible category. We improved one step to “Extreme Drought” which indicates significant progress. For reference the ratings are None, Abnormally Dry, Moderate, Severe, Extreme, and finally Exceptional Drought. We are not seeing the drought conditions eliminated anytime soon. This condition developed over two years plus and it will take a great deal of above average precipitation to eliminate it. With the rains of the past week, many fields were wet and even muddy but as you go down into the soil profile, it’s still extremely dry. However, it has greatly helped.

• Perennial pastures receiving two to three inches benefitted greatly and many have seen significant greening up. These perennials are adapted to hanging on and grasses with a fibrous root system were able to take full advantage of the rain.

• The wheat that wasn’t abandoned did benefit but only time will tell how much. The downside is the wetter, more humid, conditions promoted wheat diseases and weed growth.

• The biggest winners crop-wise are the corn, soybean, and milo crops that were or are being planted. Overall, there is adequate moisture for crops to germinate, emerge, and establish themselves. This is light years ahead of where we were two months. Remember, it’s not just the amount of moisture but when it falls. If we can keep receiving timely rains, chances are good for decent fall crop yields. If we return to the previous pattern, there isn’t adequate soil moisture to carry them for long, especially on the sandier ground.

Dr. Victor L. Martin is the agriculture instructor/coordinator for Barton Community College. He can be reached at 620-792-9207, ext. 207, or martinv@bartonccc.edu.