From staff reports Rainfall totals in Oklahoma averaged 0.05 inches for the week of Aug. 19-25, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service.
The Aug. 20 U.S. Drought Monitor Report said drought conditions were rated 72% abnormally dry to exceptional drought, up 22 points from last year. Additionally, 40% of the state was in the moderate to exceptional drought categories, up 12 points from last year.
Statewide, temperatures averaged in the upper 70s to upper 80s. Topsoil and subsoil moisture conditions were rated adequate to short, and there were 6.8 days suitable for fieldwork.
Here’s a snapshot of how crops fared between Aug. 19-25, according to NASS: Row crops: In central Oklahoma, corn harvest was progressing well. Corn dough reached 97%, up five points from previous week and up 21 points from normal. Corn dented reached 78%, up 18 points from the previous week and 36 points from normal.
Corn mature reached 27%, up four points from the previous week. Corn harvested reached 14%, up seven points from the previous week.
Sorghum headed reached 74%, up 11 points from the previous week but down five points from normal. Sorghum coloring reached 30%, up five points from the previous week but down six points from normal.
Soybeans blooming reached 74%, up nine points from the previous week but down five points from normal. Soybeans setting pods reached 45%, up 15 points from the previous week but down three points from normal.
Peanuts pegging reached 95%, up 10 points from the previous week and seven points from normal. Peanuts mature reached 15%, up seven points from last week and five points from normal.
Upland cotton setting bolls reached 84%, up 10 points from the previous week but unchanged from normal.
Upland cotton bolls opening reached 10%, up five points from the previous week and two points from normal.
Hay: The third cutting of alfalfa hay reached 90%, up nine points from the previous week. The fourth cutting of alfalfa hay reached 34%, up six points from last week but down two points from normal.
The second cutting of other hay reached 69%, up nine points from the previous week but down three points from normal. The third cutting of other hay reached 25%, up six points from the previous week and 12 points from normal.
Pasture and livestock: Pasture and range condition was rated at 74% good to fair. Livestock condition was rated at 80% good to fair.