Rainfall totals in Oklahoma averaged 1.09 inches for the week of Aug. 15-21, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Services.
The Aug. 16 U.S. Drought Monitor Report said drought conditions were rated 100% abnormally dry to exceptional drought, unchanged from the previous week. Additionally, 99% of the state was in the moderate to exceptional drought category, unchanged from the previous week.
Statewide temperatures averaged in the upper 70s. Topsoil moisture and subsoil moisture conditions were rated mostly very short to short.
Here’s a look at how crops performed for the week:
Row crops: In the central district, crops continued to suffer from drought, although some areas saw minor relief with this week’s rain.
Corn dough reached 62%, down one point from the previous year and 13 points from normal. Corn dented reached 37%, up 19 points from the previous year but unchanged from normal.
Sorghum headed reached 70%, down 12 points from the previous year and nine points from normal. Sorghum coloring reached 40%, up nine points from the previous year and four points from normal.
Soybeans blooming reached 74%, down three points from the previous year and three points from normal. Soybeans setting pods reached 41%, down three points from the previous year and two points from normal.
Peanuts pegging reached 90%, up nine points from the previous year and five points from normal. Mature peanuts reached 11%, up six points from the previous year and six points from normal.
Cotton setting bolls reached 80%, up 11 points from the previous year and three points from normal.
Hay: In the central district, reporters indicated hay yields were approximately 50% of average. The third cutting of alfalfa hay reached 95%, up 16 points from the previous year and seven points from normal. The fourth cutting of alfalfa hay reached 25%, down two points from the previous year and nine points from normal.
The second cutting of other hay reached 85%, up 15 points from the previous year and 20 points from normal. The third cutting of other hay reached 25%, up 16 points from the previous year and 18 points from normal.
Pasture and livestock: Pasture and range condition was rated at 69% poor to very poor. Livestock condition was rated at 78% fair to good.