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Temperatures cool off during the week
Oklahoma Temperatures cooled off during the week ending May 20 as a cold front moved through the state May 15, according to the National Agricultural Statistics Service, Oklahoma Field Office, May 20. Average high temperatures were in the low to mid 60s in many areas. The cold front also brought light showers to parts of Oklahoma. However, very little rain was received last week, with the state only averaging one-tenth of an inch. The Southwest district averaged the highest at 0.32 inches and rainfall in the South Central district barely registered at one-hundredth of an inch. Topsoil moisture was rated 92 percent surplus to adequate, compared to 42 percent at this time in 2006. Subsoil moisture was rated 90 percent surplus to adequate, compared to just 23 percent last year. There were 5.0 days suitable for fieldwork. Armyworms and diseases remained a major concern for wheat growers as aerial control applications continued in some areas. However, in areas where wheat harvest was approaching, many had stopped spraying. Nearly all winter wheat had headed by the end of the week. Seventy-one percent of wheat had reached the soft dough stage of development, slightly ahead of normal. Small amounts of wheat were harvested last week, primarily for test weights. Oat jointing, at 97 percent, was running 4 points ahead of the five-year average. Producers were able to resume normal field activities this past week in many areas. Farmers had 99 percent ofcornplanted by the end of last week, an increase of 5 points from the previous week and 7 points ahead of normal. Ninety-one percent of the state'scornhad emerged, 19 percentage points ahead of the five-year average. Producers had 40 percent of Sorghum planted by week's end and 12 percent of the crop had emerged. Peanut growers made up some ground and had 54 percent of the crop planted by May 20, a 33 point jump from last week. One-third of the state's cotton acreage had been planted, 21 points behind the five-year average. Drier conditions allowed many farmers to resumed hay baling activities. Producers had first cuttings on 72 percent of the alfalfa and 38 percent of other hay. Alfalfa and other hay conditions remained mostly in the good to fair range. Eighty-nine percent of watermelon acreage was planted by week's end and 56 percent of the crop had developed runners. Peaches were rated in the mostly good to fair range with an average fruit set. Fly populations continued to increase in some areas and were irritating cattle, however livestock conditions remained in the mostly good to fair range. Prices for feeder steers less than 800 pounds averaged $112 per cwt. Prices for heifers less than 800 pounds averaged $102 per cwt. Livestock marketings were average last week. Heavy weed presence in pastures was reported in a few areas but statewide pasture conditions remained mostly in the good to fair range. B 9 5/28/07 5 Star OK Date: 5/24/07
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