From staff reports Rainfall totals in Oklahoma averaged 0.12 inches for the week of Sept. 9-15, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service.
The Sept. 10 U.S. Drought Monitor Report said drought conditions were rated 79% abnormally dry to exceptional drought, up 17 points from the previous year, the NASS said. Additionally, 61% of the state was in the moderate to exceptional drought categories, up 16 points from last year.
Statewide temperatures averaged in the lower to upper 70s. Topsoil and subsoil moisture conditions were rated short to very short, and 6.8 days were suitable for fieldwork.
Here’s a snapshot of how crops performed between Sept. 5-15, according to the NASS: Small grains: Winter wheat planted reached 6%, up six points from the previous week but down four points from normal.
Row crops: Corn mature reached 60%, up 11 points from the previous week and 12 points from normal. Corn harvested reached 35%, up five points from the previous week and 20 points from normal.
Sorghum coloring reached 68%, up nine points from the previous week but down four points from normal. Sorghum mature reached 34%, up 14 points from the previous week and four points from normal. Sorghum harvested reached 18%, up eight points from the previous week and 14 points from normal.
Soybeans blooming reached 95%, up two points from the previous week. Soybeans setting pods reached 78%, up nine points from the previous week and two points from normal. Soybeans dropping leaves reached 17%, up seven points from the previous week and one point from normal.
Peanuts mature reached 44%, up 10 points from the previous week and eight points from normal.
Upland cotton bolls opening reached 41%, up 13 points from the previous week but unchanged from normal.
Hay: The fourth cutting of alfalfa hay reached 59%, up 12 points from the previous week but down seven points from normal. The fifth cutting of alfalfa hay reached 5%, up five points from the previous week.
The second cutting of other hay reached 91%, up 11 points from the previous week. The third cutting of other hay reached 40%, up five points from the previous week and six points from normal.
Pasture and livestock: Pasture and range condition was rated at 63% good to fair. Livestock condition was rated at 81% good to fair.