Potential Impacts
The state table below highlights common impacts reported in the state. For more impact details, please visit the Drought Impact Reporter.
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| Category | Impact |
|---|
| D0 | Crop germination is poor |
| Grass fires increase |
| D1 | Crops and pastures are water stressed; farmers are encouraged to have a drought plan |
| Fire danger increases |
| Grasshopper infestation occurs |
| Pond and creek levels begin to decline; more nesting areas are available for birds |
| D2 | Soil moisture is low; pasture and rangeland is dry; crop conditions are poor; hay yields are low; cattle are sold |
| Open burn and firework restrictions are implemented; fire activity intensifies |
| Conditions are dusty; air quality is poor |
| Fertilizer sales are low at elevators |
| River flow is decreased; stock dams are low |
| D3 | Crops stop growing; pastures go dormant, emergency haying of conservation areas is authorized |
| Blue-green algae blooms cause cattle death |
| Large wildfires burn |
| Fairs have fewer entries; public meetings are scheduled with government officials to discuss drought |
| D4 | Wheat is baled for hay; numerous tests are conducted on water nitrate level and quality and high nitrate levels in forage; farm service agency increases staffing; producers cull cattle |
| Wildfires are immense; rural/volunteer fire departments are stressed; rural fire departments run out of funding |
| Fewer hunting permits are issued |
| Local economy is at a standstill |