Parts of the state received rainfall and experienced warmer temperatures last week.
Rainfall totals in Oklahoma averaged 0.52 of an inch for the week of May 1-7, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service.
The May 2 U.S. Drought Monitor Report said drought conditions were rated 59% abnormally dry to exceptional drought, down 18 points from last year. Additionally, 52% of the state was in the moderate to exceptional drought categories, down 13 points from the previous year.
Statewide temperatures averaged in the mid- to upper 60s. Topsoil moisture conditions were rated adequate to short. Subsoil moisture conditions were rated very short to adequate.
Here’s a snapshot of how crops performed for the first week of May:
Small grains: The warmer temperatures caused small grains to progress quickly. Producers are continuing to cut small grains for hay, due to little grain development.
Winter wheat jointing reached 98%, up four points from the previous year. Winter wheat headed reached 77%, up 20 points from the previous year and four points from normal.
Canola blooming reached 70%, up one point from the previous year but down 12 points from normal. Canola coloring reached 5%, down 13 points from the previous year and 15 points from normal.
Rye jointing reached 96%, up two points from the previous year. Rye headed reached 91%, up 55 points from the previous year and 32 points from normal.
Oats jointing reached 70%, up 11 points from the previous year and 11 points from normal. Oats headed reached 47%, up 33 points from the previous year and 35 points from normal.
Row crops: Recent rainfall benefited the row crops being planted.
Corn planted reached 41%, up four points from the previous year but down six points from normal. Corn emerged reached 27%.
Sorghum planted reached 20%, up 15 points from the previous year and 10 points from normal. Soybeans planted reached 8%, down 10 points from the previous year and nine points from normal. Peanuts planted reached 5%, up one point from the previous year but down three points from normal.
Cotton planted reached 5%, up one point from the previous year but down three points from normal.
Pasture and livestock: Pasture and range condition was rated at 57% very poor to fair. Livestock condition was rated at 81% fair to good.