Oklahoma experienced extreme temperatures extreme temperatures between July 24 and 30, while rainfall across the state was nonexistent, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service.
The July 25 U.S. Drought Monitor Report rated drought conditions 48% abnormally dry to exceptional drought, down 52 points from last year. Additionally, 18% of the state was in the moderate to exceptional drought categories, down 82 points from the previous year.
Statewide temperatures averaged in the mid- to upper 80s. Topsoil and subsoil moisture conditions were rated adequate to short, and there were 6.7 days suitable for fieldwork.
Here’s a snapshot of how crops fared for the week:
Small grains: Oats harvested reached 95%, down three points from the previous year and one point from normal.
Row crops: Another week of dry conditions and high temperatures pushed row crops to progress. Some crops are beginning to show signs of stress.
Corn silking reached 83%, up one point from the previous
year and five points from normal. Corn dough reached 42%, up 20 points from the previous year and 16 points from normal.
Sorghum headed reached 26%, down 15 points from the previous year and 10 points from normal. Sorghum coloring reached 8%, down 2 points from the previous year and 3 points from normal.
Soybeans emerged reached 95%, up four points from the previous week. Soybeans blooming reached 55%, up 13 points from the previous year and 15 points from normal. Soybeans setting pods reached 7%, down three points from the previous year.
Peanuts pegging reached 57%, down two points from the previous year but unchanged from normal.
Cotton squaring reached 84%, up one point from the previous year and five points from normal. Cotton setting bolls reached 55%, up 26 points from the previous year and 25 points from normal.
Hay: The second cutting of alfalfa hay reached 95%, up nine points from the previous week. The third cutting of alfalfa hay reached 53%, down five points from the previous year and six points from
normal.
The second cutting of other hay reached 40%, down nine points from the previous year and three points from normal.
Pasture and livestock: Pasture and range condition was rated at 79% good to fair. Livestock condition was rated at 84% good to fair.