|
|
Another week, more storms
Oklahoma Thunderstorms struck Oklahoma once again during the week ending July 1, dumping large amounts of rain and keeping farmers out of the fields, according to the National Agricultural Statistics Service, July 2. Heavy rain fell this past Tuesday causing flooding in many areas. Many lakes and rivers across the state were at or above flood stage. The state averaged 3.60 inches of precipitation last week, with the Central district recording the highest total at 5.33 inches. Topsoil moisture was rated 93 percent surplus to adequate, compared to 25 percent at this time in 2006. Subsoil moisture was rated 94 percent surplus to adequate, compared to just 16 percent last year. There were 0.9 days suitable for fieldwork. Wheat harvest remained at a standstill in most areas last week as the rain kept falling. Many wheat fields in need of harvesting were over mature and had begun sprouting. Weeds were growing prominently in many unharvested wheat fields. The combination of problems has lead to insurance companies declaring more acres as a loss. Fifty-nine percent of the wheat crop had been harvested by July 1, 40 points behind last year and 37 points behind the five-year average. Farmers had 34 percent of oats and 52 percent of rye harvested by the end of the week, both well behind normal. Field work was running significantly behind schedule in most locations. Time had run out for some farmers as recommended row crop planting dates had passed due to the wet conditions. Insect activity was on the rise in many fields as farmers have been unable to spray due to the wet conditions. Forty-seven percent of corn was silking by the end of last week, 5 points ahead of normal. Producers had two-third's of the state's sorghum acres planted by week's end and just 58 percent of the crop had emerged, both well behind normal. Forty-three percent of peanuts had reached the pegging stage of development and pods were beginning to set in isolated fields. Ninety-seven percent of the cotton acreage had been planted and 92 percent had emerged. soybeans were 51 percent planted by the end of last week, 41 points behind normal. Hay cutting and baling was at a standstill in most areas last week. Many alfalfa fields in low lying areas flooded, while others had started turning yellow from excessive moisture. As of July 1, producers had made the first cutting on 67 percent of other hay, 12 points behind normal. The second cutting of alfalfa, at 72 percent, was 19 points behind the five-year average. Alfalfa and other hay conditions remained mostly in the good to fair range. Ninety-one percent of watermelons were setting fruit, 5 points ahead of last year and 11 points ahead of normal. A few producers had begun harvesting watermelons by week's end. Peaches were rated in the mostly good to fair range with an average fruit set. Livestock conditions improved slightly from last week and were rated mostly in the excellent to good range. Of the feeder cattle under 800 pounds, steers averaged $112 per cwt. and feeder heifers averaged $103 per cwt. Livestock marketings were average last week. Pasture conditions also improved and were rated mostly in the excellent to good range. Pastures across most of the state were saturated and many earthen dams around ponds and creeks had failed. Date: 7/5/07
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 |
|
