Drought in Bourbon, Kansas

Rainfall through the month provided only limited help for mainly the northern half of the county. However, drought conditions deepened across the region through the month of March. The US Drought Monitor indicated the far southern portion of the county as remaining in Severe (D2) Drought with all but the far northeastern portion of the county in Moderate (D1) Drought or Abnormally Dry (D0) conditions. Impacts across the region were primarily felt in larger scale agriculture. Farm and stock ponds saw continuing impacts with ground water levels and reservoirs showing limited drought condition improvement. Early spring crop and vegetation growth was showing signs of stress due to limited moisture. Monetary crop losses for 2023 beginning January first will be included in future reports when the drought ends and loses are assessed.

Severe (D2) Drought conditions continued across southeastern Kansas through the end of March. Despite some rainfall, drought conditions continued over most of southeastern Kansas during the month. Across southeastern Kansas D2 (Severe Drought) persisted with Moderate (D1) to Abnormally Dry (D0) around the Severe Drought areas. The primary impacts of the drought occurred in the agricultural communities. Hay growth was impacted along with reports of crop and vegetation impacts due to limited soil and surface moisture, dry stock ponds and low flows on some streams and rivers. Final reports of damages will be placed in the last month the drought occurred in the counties impacted in 2023.