From staff reports Rainfall totals in Oklahoma averaged 0.32 inches between Sept. 23 and 29, according to the U.S. Department of Agricultural Resources’ National Agricultural Statistics Service.
The NASS reported that the Sept. 24 U.S. Drought Monitor Report said drought conditions were rated 74% abnormally dry to exceptional drought, up eight points from the previous year. Additionally, 57% of the state was in the moderate to exceptional drought categories, up 10 points from last year.
Statewide temperatures averaged in the upper 60s to lower 70s. Topsoil moisture conditions were rated short to adequate, and subsoil moisture conditions were rated very short to short. There were 6.0 days suitable for fieldwork.
Here’s a snapshot of how crops fared for the week of Sept. 23-29: Small grains: Recent rains helped in some parts of the state, while other areas needed moisture.
Winter wheat planted reached 22%, up six points from the previous week but down 10 points from normal.Winter wheat emerged reached 7%, up seven points from the previous week but down one point from normal.
Row crops: Corn mature reached 95%, up 10 points from the previous week and 16 points from normal. Corn harvested reached 62%, up six points from the previous week and 25 points from normal.
Sorghum coloring reached 85%, up eight points from the previous week but down six points from normal. Sorghum mature reached 51%, up eight points from the previous week but down five points from normal. Sorghum harvested reached 34%, up eight points from the previous week and 16 points from normal.
Soybeans setting pods reached 92%, up nine points from the previous week but down one point from normal. Soybeans dropping leaves reached 36%, up nine points from the previous week and two points from normal. Soybeans harvested reached 5%, up five points from the previous week and two points from normal.
Peanuts mature reached 54%, up two points from the previous week and two points from normal.
Upland cotton bolls opening reached 72%, up 12 points from the previous week and two points from normal.
Hay: The fourth cutting of alfalfa hay reached 70%, up four points from the previous week but down 10 points from normal. The fifth cutting of alfalfa hay reached 22%, up nine points from the previous week and 11 points from normal.
The third cutting of other hay reached 50%, up five points from the previous week but unchanged from normal.
Pasture and livestock: Cattle in the east-central district were looking good, with fall calving underway for most. Pasture and range condition was rated at 65% fair to good, and livestock condition was rated at 80% good to fair.