Parts of the state received much-needed rainfall and experienced slightly cooler temperatures between Aug. 7 and 13.
Rainfall totals in Oklahoma averaged 1.56 inches, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service.
The Aug. 8 U.S. Drought Monitor Report said drought conditions were rated 38% abnormally dry to exceptional drought, down 62 points from last year. Additionally, 13% of the state was in the moderate to exceptional drought categories, down 86 points from the previous year.
Statewide temperatures averaged in the upper 70s to lower 80s. Topsoil and subsoil moisture conditions were rated adequate to short.
Here’s a snapshot of how crops performed for the week:
Row crops: Recent rains allowed some crops to progress and improve, while other crops are still showing signs of stress.
Corn silking reached 95%. Corn dough reached 62%, up nine points from the previous year and six points from normal. Corn dented reached 18%, up two points from the previous year.
Sorghum headed reached 40%, down 19 points from the previous year and 23 points from normal. Sorghum coloring reached 15%, down 14 points from the previous year and nine points from normal.
Soybeans blooming reached 77%, up 13 points from the previous year and 14 points from normal. Soybeans setting pods reached 32%, up one point from the previous year and three points from normal.
Peanuts pegging reached 75%, down four points from the previous year and two points from normal.
Cotton squaring reached 96%, unchanged from the previous year but down one point from normal.
Cotton setting bolls reached 70%, up 12 points from the previous year and five points from normal.
Hay: The third cutting of alfalfa hay reached 77%, down seven points from the previous year and two points from normal. The fourth cutting of alfalfa hay reached 15%, up one point from the previous year but down 2 points from normal.
The second cutting of other hay reached 54%, down 20 points from the previous year and eight points from normal.
Pasture and livestock: Pasture and range condition was rated at 75% good to fair. Livestock condition was rated at 81% good to fair.