Small grains continue to be stressed due to little rainfall and warm temperatures, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service.
Rainfall totals in Oklahoma averaged 0.04 of an inch for the week of April 10-16.
The April 11 U.S. Drought Monitor Report said drought conditions were rated 60% abnormally dry to exceptional drought, down 25 points from last year. Additionally, 54% of the state was in the moderate drought to exceptional drought categories, down 20 points from the previous year.
Statewide temperatures averaged in the low 60s. Topsoil and subsoil moisture conditions were rated very short to short.
Here’s a snapshot of crop conditions for the week of April 10-16:
Small grains: Winter wheat conditions throughout the state continued to decline due to little rainfall. Winter wheat jointing reached 66%, up 14 points from the previous year but down eight points from normal. Winter wheat headed reached 15%, up 15 points from the previous year and four points from normal.
Canola blooming reached 23%, up five points from the previous year but down 20 points from normal. Rye jointing reached 62%, up 24 points from the previous year but down five points from normal. Rye headed reached 17%.
Oats jointing reached 49%, up 16 points from the previous year and 13 points from normal. Oats headed reached 8%.
Pasture and livestock: Pasture and range condition was rated at 63% very poor to fair. Livestock condition was rated at 73% fair to good.