Crop report: Drought conditions worsen

Rainfall totals in Oklahoma averaged 0.19 of an inch for the week of Sept. 13-19, with the Panhandle district recording the highest total at 0.51 of an inch, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service.

Drought conditions were rated 55% abnormally dry to exceptionally dry, up 27 points from the previous week, according to the Sept. 14 U.S. Drought Monitor Report. Additionally, 11% of the state was in the moderate to exceptional drought category, up five points from the previous week.

Statewide temperatures averaged in the high 70s. Topsoil and subsoil moisture conditions were rated short to adequate.

Here’s a look at how crops fared for the week of Sept. 13, according to the National Agricultural Statistics Service:

Small grains: Winter wheat planted reached 15%, up one point from the previous year but down one point from normal.

Row crops: Corn dented reached 95%, up two points from the previous year and six points from normal. Mature corn reached 69%, up three points from the previous year and seven points from normal.

Sorghum coloring reached 87%, up eight points from the previous year and four points from normal. Mature sorghum reached 35%, down three points from the previous year and nine points from normal.

Soybeans setting pods reached 83%, down one point from the previous year but up one point from normal. Soybeans dropping leaves reached 24%, up one point from the previous year and six points from normal.

Mature peanuts reached 42%, down two points from the previous year but up eight points from normal.

Cotton bolls opening reached 57%, up 13 points from the previous year and 10 points from normal.

Hay: The fourth cutting of alfalfa hay reached 72%, down seven points from the previous year but unchanged from normal.

The second cutting of other hay reached 95%, up 11 points from the previous year and 13 points from normal. The third cutting of other hay reached 38%, up nine points from the previous year and four points from normal.

Pasture and livestock: Pasture and range condition was rated at 77% fair to good. Livestock condition was rated at 86% good to fair.