Recent rainfall has improved soil moisture conditions in Oklahoma, which has allowed most crops and pastures to improve.
Rainfall totals in Oklahoma averaged 0.80 of an inch for the week of May 22-28, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service.
The May 23 U.S. Drought Monitor Report said drought conditions were rated 60% abnormally dry to exceptional drought, up seven points from last year. Additionally, 50% of the state was in the moderate to exceptional drought categories, up six points from the previous year.
Statewide temperatures averaged in the upper 60s. Topsoil and subsoil moisture conditions were rated adequate to short.
Here’s a snapshot of how crops performed for the week of May 22-28:
Small grains: Rainfall received has allowed small-grain conditions to improve.
Canola coloring reached 55%, up two points from the previous year but down four points from normal.
Oats jointing reached 80%, down one point from the previous year but unchanged from normal. Oats headed reached 67%, up 13 points from the previous year and 12 points from normal.
Row crops: Corn planted reached 75%, down one point from the previous year and two points from normal. Corn emerged reached 61%, up two points from the previous year but down one point from normal.
Sorghum planted reached 26%, up two points from the previous year but down one point from normal.
Soybeans planted reached 35%, up one point from the previous year but down seven points from normal. Soybeans emerged reached 12%, down three points from the previous year.
Peanuts planted reached 37%, up six points from the previous year but down five points from normal.
Cotton planted reached 32%, down six points from the previous year but unchanged from normal.
Hay: The first cutting of alfalfa hay reached 29%, down one point from the previous year and 10 points from normal. The first cutting of other hay reached 29%, up six points from the previous year but down three points from normal.
Pasture and livestock: Pasture and range condition was rated at 80% good to fair. Livestock condition was rated at 85% good to fair.