Concerns are growing across the U.S. as national topsoil moisture conditions decline, so much so that USDA Meteorologist Brad Rippey says that the ratings have reached a new record.
According to Rippey, “For the week ending October 20th, 2024, number rated very short to short, skyrocketing to 68% and that actually is tied for the highest of any time during the last ten years, matching the 68% value that was recorded a similar week October 23rd, 2022. So two years ago.”
That is a 6% increase week over week, with a number of states now reporting topsoil moisture levels at 50% or more very short to short.
“Fairly mentionable in terms of topsoil moisture rated surplus, it’s almost a non-existent number at this point, 1% nationally, and really the only lingering wetness is related to Milton across Florida,” he adds. “Florida leads the eastern U.S. 17% surplus topsoil moisture on October 20th.”
Other noteworthy states include Wyoming, rating 93% very short to short, Iowa 81%, and Kansas 78%.
Those dry conditions are now impacting Texas onion and cabbage plantings.
While Texas cabbage growers typically take to their fields to plant in July, a lack of rain led to a three-month pause, with plants just entering the ground this month.
That delay means farmers will be lucky to harvest a crop beginning in January.
Meanwhile, a lack of water allotments is set to impact the state’s onion production. Growers say that on paper water districts promise one amount, but the reality is different.
It has led many to be very selective on how many acres they actually plant.
