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Heat advisories and a storm called ErinOklahoma Heat advisories were in effect across parts of Oklahoma during the week ending Aug. 19, as the mercury rose above 100 degrees in many areas, according to the National Agricultural Statistics Service, Oklahoma Field Office, Aug. 20. That changed over the weekend as remnants of tropical depression Erin hit the state bringing large amounts of precipitation and cooler temperatures to many areas. The heavy rains caused severe flooding in a few locations. Precipitation averaged 1.84 inches this past week, with vast majority falling over the weekend. While parts of Oklahoma received beneficial rains, the Panhandle district remained dry. There were 6.2 days suitable for fieldwork. The extra moisture should benefit small grain producers as they prepare for fall plantings. Eighty-eight percent of the state's wheat stubble had been plowed. As of Aug. 19, seventeen percent of wheat seedbed preparation was complete. Farmers had the majority of oats harvested by the end of the week. Row crop development should greatly benefit from the rain. However, irrigation systems were running at full steam in drier locations last week. Ninety-two percent of the corn crop was in the doughing stage and 34 percent of the state's acreage had reached maturity. Grain sorghum was 76 percent headed, 7 points ahead of the five-year average. Eighty-seven percent of the state's peanuts were setting pods, an increase of 9 points from last week. Ninety-two percent of the cotton acreage was squaring and 59 percent was setting bolls, both behind the five-year average. Nearly two-thirds of soybeans were blooming and 41 percent were setting pods, both well behind normal. A small amount of soybeans were mature. Hay cutting and baling in many areas ended Aug. 11 due to the precipitation. Growers had 49 percent of other hay second cuttings completed by the end of the week, 12 points behind the five-year average. The third cuttings of alfalfa were 95 percent complete, slightly behind normal. Just over half of the fourth cuttings of alfalfa were complete and producers had begun the fifth cuttings on a limited basis. Alfalfa and other hay conditions remained mostly in the good to fair range. Watermelon harvest increased 6 points from the previous week to reach 85 percent, but was 6 points behind normal. Nearly 90 percent of the state's peaches were harvested by the end of the week. Livestock conditions dropped slightly due to heat stress but were still rated mostly in the excellent to good range. Livestock marketings remained average last week. Prices for feeder steers less than 800 pounds averaged $118 per cwt. Prices for heifers less than 800 pounds averaged $110 per cwt. Pasture and range conditions also dropped but remained in excellent to good range. Date: 8/23/07
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