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State sees unusually warm weather with no precipitation
Oklahoma Temperatures during the week ending Nov. 4 were unusually warm for late October and early November, according to the National Agricultural Statistics Service, Oklahoma Field Office, Nov. 5. Average highs across Oklahoma were 70 degrees or higher in six of the districts. While temperatures were pleasant across most of the state, precipitation was nonexistent with no measurable rainfall last week. The Panhandle remained the hardest hit from dry conditions, with precipitation only 32 percent of normal since September 1. There were 6.4 days suitable for fieldwork. Lack of rainfall has stalled small grain development in many areas. Early-planted wheat began turning a yellowish color from low soil moisture levels in some areas. Wheat seeding increased 5 points from the previous week to reach 89 percent complete, but was 6 percentage points behind normal. Just over two-third's of the state's wheat acreage had emerged, 18 percentage points behind the five-year average. Rye planted was 95 percent complete, a 2 point increase from the previous week. Eighty-eight percent of the state's rye had emerged. Oat seedbed preparation was 87 percent complete with 69 percent of the crop planted by week's end. Three-fourth's of soybeans were mature with 44 percent harvested by week's end. Ninety-five percent of grain sorghum had reached maturity with 70 percent of the harvest completed, both ahead of normal. Ninety-one percent of peanuts were dug, an increase of 17 points from last week. As of Sunday, 77 percent of the crop was combined, 11 points ahead of the five-year average. Forty percent of cotton was harvested by week's end, an increase of 16 points from the previous week. Producers continued baling hay in a few locations. Growers had 91 percent of other hay second cuttings complete, two points behind normal. Eighty-three percent of the fifth cutting of alfalfa and 43 percent of the sixth cutting were completed. Alfalfa and other hay conditions remained mostly in the good to fair range. Producers had begun supplemental feeding in some isolated locations. Limited precipitation and cooler temperatures had pastures turning brown in parts of the state. Livestock conditions were rated mostly in the good to fair range. Prices for feeder steers less than 800 pounds averaged $111 per cwt. Prices for heifers less than 800 pounds averaged $102 per cwt. Pasture and range conditions also remained mostly in the good to fair range. Date: 11/8/07
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