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Oklahoma hit hard by weatherOklahoma The rain kept falling across much of Oklahoma during the week ending April 13 as a state of emergency was declared for 38 counties due to tornadoes, severe storms, and flooding, according to the National Agricultural Statistics Service, Oklahoma Field Office, April 14. The Eastern half of Oklahoma was significantly affected with heavy rain, marble-size hail, flooding, and sustained winds. The Panhandle received much needed rain after facing wildfires and drought-like conditions. By week's end, 38 percent of the state's topsoil moisture was rated in surplus condition, and 21 percent of the state's subsoil moisture was rated in surplus condition. Heavy hail and flood damage to crops was reported in isolated areas. There were 2.7 days suitable for fieldwork. Small grain crops in the Panhandle received much needed rain. Small grain progress has increased with heads starting to emerge in a few areas. Winter wheat jointing was at 83 percent, an increase of 16 points from the previous week, but 8 points behind the five-year average. Bindweed and various diseases have been spotted in wheat fields across the state. Rye jointing increased 2 points from the previous week to 89 percent, and was running 23 points ahead of the five-year average. Oats jointing was up 10 points from the previous week, but one point behind normal. Heavy rainfall halted fieldwork last week, including seedbed preparation in many areas. Corn seedbed prepared was up four points from the previous week, but was running slightly behind normal. Corn planted increased nine points from the previous week to reach 29 percent, but was 16 points behind last year. Producers in isolated areas were affected by significant amounts of rainfall and may not get their intended acres planted to corn; some are considering soybeans as an alternative. Sorghum seedbed prepared was at 27 percent, eight points behind normal. Soybeans seedbed prepared, at 41 percent, was running three points behind the five-year average. Peanuts seedbed prepared, at 49 percent, was up two points from the previous week and slightly ahead of normal pace. Cotton seedbed prepared was up five points from the previous week to reach 69 percent and is four points ahead of normal. Pasture and range conditions were mostly in the good to fair range. Cool season grasses were growing rapidly in some areas due to increased moisture. Prices for feeder steers less than 800 pounds averaged $104 per cwt. Prices for heifers less than 800 pounds averaged $94 per cwt. Livestock conditions were rated mostly in the good to fair range. Cooler weather conditions helped decrease insect activity last week. Strong winds and thunderstorms have stressed cattle herds. 4/21/08 Date: 4/15/08
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