For the month of December, rainfall totals averaged 1 inch throughout the state, with the east-central district recording the highest precipitation at 2.99 inches and the Panhandle district recording the lowest with trace amounts, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service.
According to the Dec. 28, 2021, U.S. Drought Monitor Report, 95% of the state was in the abnormally dry to exceptional drought category, up 52 points from the previous year. Additionally, 90% of the state was in the moderate to exceptional drought category, up 65% from the previous year.
Statewide temperatures averaged in the mid- to high 40s, with the lowest recording of 3 degrees at Camargo on Dec. 19, 2021, and the highest recording of 89 degrees at Grandfield on Dec. 24.
Topsoil and subsoil moisture conditions were rated mostly short to adequate.
Here’s a look at how crops fared in December:
Small grains: Winter wheat grazed reached 36%, down seven points from the previous year.
Rye grazed reached 10%, down five points from the previous year. Oats grazed reached 3%, down four points from the previous year.
Pasture and livestock: Pasture and range condition was rated at 64% fair to good. Livestock condition was rated at 88% good to fair.