Parts of the state welcomed recent rains as pasture and range conditions began to improve, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service.
Rainfall totals in Oklahoma averaged 1.22 inches for the week of May 15-21.
According to the May 16 U.S. Drought Monitor Report, drought conditions were rated 56% abnormally dry to exceptional drought, down five points from last year. Additionally, 50% of the state was in the moderate to exceptional drought categories, down four points from the previous year.
Statewide temperatures averaged in the 60s. Topsoil and subsoil moisture conditions were rated adequate to very short.
Here’s a look at crop status for the week of May 15-21:
Small grains: Winter wheat headed reached 95%, up two points from the previous year and unchanged from normal.
Canola coloring reached 37%, down four points from the previous year and five points from normal.
Oats jointing reached 79%, up four points from the previous year and five points from normal. Oats headed reached 60%, up 18 points from the previous year and 20 points from normal.
Row crops: Corn planted reached 66%, down one point from the previous year and two points from normal. Corn emerged reached 48%, down two points from the previous year and four points from normal.
Sorghum planted reached 24%, up six points from the previous year and four points from normal.
Soybeans planted reached 24%, down five points from the previous year and 11 points from normal.
Peanuts planted reached 28%, up four points from the previous year but down four points from normal.
Cotton planted reached 27%, up two points from the previous year and four points from normal.
Hay: Small grains continued to be cut for hay due to low grain yield estimates.
The first cutting of alfalfa hay reached 13%, down three points from the previous year and 11 points from normal.
The first cutting of other hay reached 14%, up four points from the previous year and unchanged from normal.
Pasture and livestock: Pasture and range condition was rated at 58% good to fair. Livestock condition was rated at 86% good to fair.