|
|
Weather conditions improve
Oklahoma Weather conditions improved during the week ending July 8 as the amount of precipitation Oklahoma received was less than an inch for the first time since the week ending June 10, according to the National Agricultural Statistics Service, July 9. The drop in precipitation was welcomed by farmers across the state. However, many fields were still too soft for agricultural equipment . The state averaged 0.64 inches of precipitation last week, with the Southeast district recording the highest total at 1.92 inches. Topsoil moisture was rated 92 percent surplus to adequate, compared to 16 percent at this time in 2006. Subsoil moisture was rated 93 percent surplus to adequate, compared to just 10 percent last year. There were 2.5 days suitable for fieldwork. The wheat harvest was nearing completion in areas which received limited rain the past few weeks. However, harvesting operations for most of the state remained well behind normal. Sixty-nine percent of the wheat crop had been harvested by July 8, an increase of 10 points from last week but 30 points behind the five-year average. Farmers had 68 percent of oats and 60 percent of rye harvested by the end of the week, both well behind normal. Even with improved weather conditions, many fields remained too wet for normal field activities. Flood damage was reported in isolated areas. Sixty-seven percent of corn was silking by the end of last week and 20 percent had reached the dough stage of development. Producers had 84 percent of the state's sorghum acres planted by week's end and just 66 percent of the crop had emerged, both behind normal. Seventy-five percent of peanuts had reached the pegging stage of development and 13 percent of pods were set. Ninety-seven percent of cotton had emerged and 41 percent was squaring. soybeans were 52 percent planted by the end of last week, 43 points behind normal. Hay baling remained on hold in many locations this past week as producers wait for fields to dry out. As of July 8, producers had made the first cutting on 70 percent of other hay, 13 points behind normal. The second cutting of alfalfa, at 78 percent, was 18 points behind the five-year average. Alfalfa and other hay conditions remained mostly in the good to fair range. Disease problems from excess moisture had reduced watermelon and cantaloupe yields in some areas. Ninety-six percent of watermelons were setting fruit, 5 points ahead of last year and 8 points ahead of normal. Watermelons were 28 percent harvested by week's end, 11 points above the five-year average. Peaches were rated in the mostly good to fair range with an average fruit set. Livestock conditions were rated mostly in the excellent to good range. Livestock marketings were average last week. Pasture conditions were also rated mostly in the excellent to good range. Producers in drier locations applied herbicides to weed-infested pastures. Date: 7/12/07
Copyright/Privacy
Copyright 1995-2012. High Plains Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved. Any republishing of these pages, including electronic reproduction of the editorial archives or classified advertising, is strictly prohibited. If you have questions or comments you can reach us at High Plains Journal 1500 E. Wyatt Earp Blvd., P.O. Box 760, Dodge City, KS 67801 or call 1-800-452-7171. Email: webmaster@hpj.com |
|
