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Wheat harvest behind normal
Oklahoma Temperatures warmed during the week ending June 10 across Oklahoma, however, a cold front moved through the state June 7 dropping temperatures to the high 50s overnight, according to the National Agricultural Statistics Service, Oklahoma Field Office, June 11. Weather conditions throughout the week were much more favorable for agricultural activities and farmers took full advantage. The state averaged 0.51 inches of precipitation last week but most of it was received over the weekend. Topsoil moisture was rated 95 percent surplus to adequate, compared to 19 percent at this time in 2006. Subsoil moisture was rated 90 percent surplus to adequate, compared to just 16 percent last year. There were 5.1 days suitable for fieldwork. Improved weather conditions allowed wheat harvest to continue across much of Oklahoma until the weekend, when spotty showers slowed harvesting operations in many areas. There were reports of storm damage to isolated wheat fields. One-fourth of the wheat crop had been harvested by June 10, a 22 point jump from the previous week but 20 points behind the five-year average. Yields from some of the harvested wheat fields were below expectations, a likely result of the Easter freeze, excess moisture, disease, and insect pressures. Farmers had 14 percent of oats and 21 percent of rye harvested by the end of the week, both behind normal. Field work resumed in many areas last week as farmers were eager to catch up on seedbed preparations and planting activities. Producers had nearly half of the state's sorghum acres planted by week's end and 36 percent of the crop had emerged. Peanut growers had the majority of the crop planted by the end of last week and 93 percent had emerged. Sixty-nine percent of the cotton acreage had been planted and 59 percent had emerged, both behind the five-year average. Improved weather conditions allowed farmers to resume hay baling. Producers had made the first cutting on 96 percent of alfalfa and 58 percent of other hay. The second cutting of alfalfa, at 40 percent, was 10 points behind the five-year average. Alfalfa and other hay conditions remained mostly in the good to fair range. Eighty-nine percent of watermelons had developed runners and 43 percent were setting fruit. Peaches were rated in the mostly good to fair range with an average fruit set. Livestock conditions improved last week and were rated mostly in the excellent to good range. Feeder steers under 800 pounds averaged $110 per cwt. and feeder heifers less than 800 pounds averaged $102 per cwt. Livestock marketings were average last week. Pasture conditions were rated mostly in the excellent to good range. Date: 6/12/07
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