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Storms strike near the end of the weekOklahoma A series of powerful storms struck Oklahoma during the week ending Aug. 26 bringing heavy rains and powerful winds to many areas, according to the National Agricultural Statistics Service, Oklahoma Field Office, Aug. 27. A few additional showers popped up Aug. 25 but the majority of the state remained hot and dry over the weekend. Producers in areas affected by Erin spent time last week assessing damage to topsoil, fences, and conservation practices. Precipitation averaged 0.78 inches this past week, with the East Central district averaging the highest at 1.59 inches. There were 5.2 days suitable for fieldwork. In drier locations, producers continued preparing fields for wheat planting. Ninety-one percent of the state's wheat stubble had been plowed. As of Aug. 26, 23 percent of wheat seedbed preparation was complete, 27 points behind the five-year average. Rye seedbed preparation was 21 percent complete, 38 points behind normal. The extra moisture and humidity has lead to a few additional cases of soybean rust. Just over three-fourth of soybeans were blooming and just over half were setting pods, both well behind normal. Ninety-four percent of the corn crop was in the doughing stage and 43 percent of the state's acreage had reached maturity. Farmers had 12 percent of the corn crop harvested by Aug. 26. Grain sorghum was 86 percent headed, 7 points ahead of the five-year average. Producers had begun harvesting sorghum in a few isolated areas. Ninety-six percent of the state's peanuts were setting pods, an increase of 9 points from last week. Nearly all of the cotton acreage was squaring and 79 percent was setting bolls, which is 15 points behind the five-year average. Large surpluses of hay have made selling the crop difficult in a few locations. Growers had 55 percent of other hay second cuttings completed by the end of the week, 11 points behind the five-year average. Slightly over two-thirds of the fourth cuttings of alfalfa was complete and producers had completed 20 percent of the fifth cutting. Alfalfa and other hay conditions remained mostly in the good to fair range. Watermelon harvest increased 6 points from the previous week to reach 91 percent, but was 3 points behind normal. Producers had more than 90 percent of the state's peach acreage harvested by the end of the week. Livestock conditions dropped slightly but were still rated mostly in the excellent to good range. Livestock marketings remained average last week. Prices for feeder steers less than 800 pounds averaged $119 per cwt. Prices for heifers less than 800 pounds averaged $111 per cwt. Pasture and range conditions were in excellent to good range. Date: 8/30/07
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