Much needed rainfall fell across portions of West Central Texas in January. The U.S. Drought Monitor, issued through the National Mitigation Drought Center, continued to show some improvement as several counties were removed from the drought.  Severe to extreme drought continued across a large part of the Big Country, Concho Valley and the Northwest Hill Country while extreme to exceptional drought continued across the western Northern Edwards Plateau.
According to the Texas Crop Weather Report prepared by the Texas A&M Agriculture Program, the following agricultural impacts were noted across West Central Texas.
A large part of West Central Texas had very mild temperatures and much needed rain. The slow, soaking rains boosted growth of cool-season grasses and forages. Wheat pastures continued to do very well and were providing grazing for livestock. The rains and warm weather also helped other small-grain crops. Farmers were preparing land for spring planting as weather permitted. Rangeland and pasture conditions were very good. Stock tanks were in good shape for this time of year. Producers continued supplemental feeding of livestock.
Across the northwestern Big Country, farmers were preparing fields for spring cotton planting. Livestock producers in that area were still providing heavy supplemental feed to livestock on pastures. Hay was in short supply, and some producers were still shipping it in from out of state. Wheat producers were holding off top-dressing and applying weed control until moisture conditions improved.
In Crockett County where lighter amounts of rain fell, livestock producers continued to feed their way through the winter, but hay was getting harder to find and very expensive when it could be found. Rangeland conditions remained poor. Areas that burned in the summer still showed charred ground with little to no regrowth.

Drought in JONES, TEXAS
From 01-JAN-12 00:00:00 to 31-JAN-12 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Other Federal Agency

Drought in STERLING, TEXAS
From 01-JAN-12 00:00:00 to 31-JAN-12 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Other Federal Agency

Drought in CROCKETT, TEXAS
From 01-JAN-12 00:00:00 to 31-JAN-12 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Other Federal Agency

Drought in STERLING, TEXAS
From 01-JAN-12 00:00:00 to 31-JAN-12 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Other Federal Agency

Drought in IRION, TEXAS
From 01-JAN-12 00:00:00 to 31-JAN-12 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Other Federal Agency

Drought in SHACKELFORD, TEXAS
From 01-JAN-12 00:00:00 to 31-JAN-12 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Other Federal Agency

Drought in NOLAN, TEXAS
From 01-JAN-12 00:00:00 to 31-JAN-12 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Other Federal Agency

Drought in TAYLOR, TEXAS
From 01-JAN-12 00:00:00 to 31-JAN-12 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Other Federal Agency

Drought in COKE, TEXAS
From 01-JAN-12 00:00:00 to 31-JAN-12 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Other Federal Agency

Drought in SCHLEICHER, TEXAS
From 01-JAN-12 00:00:00 to 31-JAN-12 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Other Federal Agency

Drought in TOM GREEN, TEXAS
From 01-JAN-12 00:00:00 to 31-JAN-12 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Other Federal Agency

Drought in KIMBLE, TEXAS
From 01-JAN-12 00:00:00 to 31-JAN-12 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Other Federal Agency

Drought in MASON, TEXAS
From 01-JAN-12 00:00:00 to 31-JAN-12 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Other Federal Agency

Drought in MENARD, TEXAS
From 01-JAN-12 00:00:00 to 31-JAN-12 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Other Federal Agency

Drought in THROCKMORTON, TEXAS
From 01-JAN-12 00:00:00 to 31-JAN-12 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Other Federal Agency

Drought in SUTTON, TEXAS
From 01-JAN-12 00:00:00 to 31-JAN-12 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Other Federal Agency

Drought in MCCULLOCH, TEXAS
From 01-JAN-12 00:00:00 to 31-JAN-12 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Other Federal Agency

Drought in FISHER, TEXAS
From 01-JAN-12 00:00:00 to 31-JAN-12 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Other Federal Agency

Drought in SAN SABA, TEXAS
From 01-JAN-12 00:00:00 to 31-JAN-12 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Other Federal Agency