Drought in Bourbon, Kansas

Limited periods of rainfall through the month proved little benefit for much of the county allowing Severe (D2) Drought to expand across the entire county, drought conditions remained across the region through the month of June. The US Drought Monitor indicated all of the county as being in Severe (D2) Drought. 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. 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 expanded across portions southeastern Kansas through the end of June. Little to no rainfall allowed drought conditions to deteriorate over most of southeastern Kansas during the month. Across southeastern Kansas Severe (D2) drought expanded or persisted with Moderate (D1) 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.