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Wet weather returns
Oklahoma Wet weather returned to Oklahoma as frequent storms struck nearly every day during the week ending May 27, and the storms brought heavy rains to many areas, with hail and flooding reported in isolated locations according to the National Agricultural Statistics Service, May 29. The state averaged 1.58 inches of precipitation during the week, with the South Central district averaging the highest at 2.93 inches. Topsoil moisture was rated 92 percent surplus to adequate, compared to 24 percent at this time in 2006. Subsoil moisture was rated 91 percent surplus to adequate, compared to just 19 percent last year. There were 4.0 days suitable for fieldwork. Disease and insect pressures remain a concern for most wheat farmers. Farmers managed to harvest a small amount of wheat at the beginning of last week but weather conditions delayed field activities for the remainder of the week. A few warm sunny days and drying winds will be needed before producers can resume harvest activities. Eighty-five percent of wheat had reached the soft dough stage of development, the same level as the five-year average. The majority of rye had reached the soft dough stage of development and harvest had begun in a few areas. The heavy rains abruptly ended field activities in many areas last week. The majority of the state's corn had emerged. Producers had 42 percent of sorghum planted by week's end and 20 percent of the crop had emerged. Peanut growers had 76 percent of the crop planted by May 27, a 22 point jump from the previous week but 4 points behind normal. Slightly over half of the state's cotton acreage had been planted by week's end and 31 percent had emerged. Hay-cutting days were reduced by poor weather conditions. Producers made the first cutting on 81 percent of the alfalfa and 51 percent of other hay. The second cutting of alfalfa, at 12 percent, was the same as last year. Alfalfa and other hay conditions remained mostly in the good to fair range. Ninety-five percent of watermelon acreage was planted by week's end and 68 percent of the crop had developed runners, both ahead of normal. Peaches were rated in the mostly good to fair range with an average fruit set. Livestock conditions continued to improve with the majority rated in the excellent to good range. Prices for feeder steers less than 800 pounds averaged $111 per cwt. Prices for heifers less than 800 pounds averaged $103 per cwt. Livestock marketings were average last week. Pastures conditions improved last week and were rated mostly in the excellent to good range. Date: 5/31/07
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