From staff reports Heavy rains were received across much of the state over the Easter weekend, with some areas reporting damaging winds, hail, and tornadoes, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Rainfall totals in Oklahoma averaged 2.19 inches.
The April 15 U.S. Drought Monitor Report indicated that drought conditions were rated 53% abnormally dry to exceptional drought, down six points from the previous year, according to the NASS. Additionally, 40% of the state was in the moderate to exceptional drought categories, up 13 points from the previous year.
Statewide temperatures averaged in the upper 50s to upper 60s. Topsoil and subsoil moisture conditions were rated adequate to short. There were 4.7 days suitable for fieldwork.
Here’s a snapshot of how crops fared for the week of April 14-20: Small grains: Winter wheat jointing reached 76%, up 11 points from the previous week but down four points from normal. Winter wheat headed reached 20%, up 13 points from the previous week but down two points from normal. Canola blooming reached 30%, up 24 points from the previous week but down 14 points from normal.
Rye jointing reached 73%, up 19 points from the previous week but unchanged from normal.
Oats jointing reached 42 percent, up nine points from the previous week but down two points from normal.
Row crops: Corn planted reached 24 percent, up 11 points from the previous week and one point from normal.
Sorghum planted reached 5%, up five points from the previous week and three points from normal.
Soybeans planted reached 5%, up five points from the previous week.
Pasture and livestock: Pasture and range condition was rated at 75% good to fair. Livestock condition was rated at 84% good to fair.