Southern Plains - Update
February 28, 2000

As of February 28, 2000, satellite imagery indicates that winter wheat crop conditions are good to very good across the major production areas of Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas. Drought in Texas, and low surface moisture in Kansas and Oklahoma were a concern for wheat establishment in Autumn 1999. A February 21, 2000, NOAA 14 satellite image of Kansas, Oklahoma, and northern Texas is linked here. The bright red areas are primarily winter wheat in Kansas and Oklahoma, and irrigated winter wheat and alfalfa in northern Texas. Imagery analysis and monitoring precipitation and soil moisture models indicates that the hard winter wheat crop in these states is at least normal to better than normal at this time, but not as good as the 1997, 1998, and 1999 crops. Moisture levels were generally greater during February of those crop years.

Abnormally dry areas are illustrated in a February 22 National Drought Monitor map, prepared by the USDA/NOAA Joint Agricultural Weather Facility. Precipitation during February 22 - 26 was welcomed and benefitted winter grains and pastures. As can be seen from the 7 day precipitation map, provided by NOAA's Climate Prediction Center, the Texas Panhandle missed the precipitation. Kansas, Oklahoma, and central and eastern Texas received the rainfall.

For more information and updates, you may contact the author, Carl Gernazio, of the Production Estimates and Crop Assessment Division of FAS at (202) 690-0136.