Concerns regarding dry conditions are already being expressed in the northern and western High Plains. Topsoil and subsoil moisture conditions as reported by the Agricultural Statistics Service from each of the states in the region shows that soil moisture conditions are indeed becoming dry in the northern and western High Plains. The dry conditions in the northern and western High Plains is the result of less than normal precipitation throughout the preseason. The region's winter wheat crop is still rated mostly good and has progressed to the jointing stage. Army cutworms are reportedly a nuisance in several states.
Livestock are reportedly in mostly good condition.
The calving and lambing season is just about complete, with lighter than normal calf and lamb losses. Pasture and range conditions are rated mostly good to fair. Alfalfa fields are rated mostly good, although reports of army cutworm infestations are common. Sowing of most of these crops, particularly spring wheat, is much ahead of normal. In fact, some plains states have nearly completed planting of small grains.