Rainfall totals in Oklahoma averaged 0.09 of an inch for the week of Aug. 1 through 7, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service.
The Aug. 2 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, down 1% from the previous week.
Statewide temperatures averaged in the upper 80s. Topsoil 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 south-central district, most dry land crops are under severe stress, and crops that could be put into silage have been harvested due to poor performance.
Corn silk reached 95%, up six points from the previous year and four points from normal. Corn dough reached 45%, up seven points from the previous year but down two points from normal.
Sorghum headed reached 50%, up six points from the previous year but down three points from normal. Sorghum coloring reached 20%, up eight points from the previous year but down one point from normal.
Soybeans blooming reached 60%, up seven points from the previous year and eight points from normal. Soybeans setting pods reached 25%, up two points from the previous year and four points from normal.
Peanuts pegging reached 70%, up five points from the previous year but down one point from normal.
Cotton squaring reached 95%, up 10 points from the previous year and three points from normal. Cotton setting bolls reached 48%, up eight points from the previous year but unchanged from normal.
Hay: In the central district, hay harvest is approximately half of normal and quality is down.
The third cutting of alfalfa hay reached 75% complete, up 16 points from the previous year and four points from normal. The fourth cutting of alfalfa hay reached 6%.
The second cutting of other hay reached 65%, up 17 points from the previous year and 13 points from normal. The third cutting of other hay reached 5%.
Pasture and livestock: In the south-central district, damage to pastures from lingering drought was expected to be significant. Pasture and range condition was rated at 82% fair to very poor. Livestock condition was rated at 83% fair to good.