Drought in Bourbon, Kansas

Limited periods of rainfall through the month allowed Extreme (D3) Drought to slightly decrease over parts of Bourbon County in July. Impacts across the region continue over 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.

While some locations saw improvement from Extreme (D3) Drought by the end of July Extreme drought remained for portions of Bourbon and Crawford Counties. Severe (D2) Drought conditions expanded across portions southeastern Kansas through the end of July. What rainfall occurred during the month provided little improvement for drought conditions with some areas deteriorating over southeastern Kansas during the month. Across southeastern Kansas Extreme (D3) and Severe (D2) drought expanded or persisted with Moderate (D1) Drought areas making up the remainder of the area. 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.