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Spring storms bring hail, wind, tornadoesOklahoma The last full week of March brought strong winds, large hail and several tornados, according to the National Agricultural Statistics Service, Oklahoma Field Office, March 31. Thunderstorms moved across eastern Oklahoma and the National Weather Service reported a tornado touched down one mile north of Council Hill, March 27. There was no severe damage, but golf-ball size hail was reported. March 30 brought more storms to the state. Earlier in the day, strong thunderstorms in the eastern part of the state caused flooding in low areas creating numerous cattle, hay and fence losses. Western and central Oklahoma received large hail and high winds late March 30, and more tornados were spotted. No severe crop damage was visible, but several areas lost power. Average rainfall for the state last week was 0.27 of an inch. There were 5.4 days suitable for fieldwork. Small grains crops were growing fast, but were in need of additional moisture in many areas. Some hail damage to the state's wheat crop may have occurred during the recent thunderstorms. Winter wheat jointing was at 50 percent, a 12 point increase from the previous week, but 20 points behind last year and 16 points behind the five-year average. Rye jointing increased three percentage points from the previous week and is 16 points ahead of normal. Oats jointing jumped nine points from the previous week to reach 21 percent. Seedbed preparations for all major row crops were still running ahead of normal with soybeans at 37 percent, peanuts at 33 percent, and cotton at 50 percent. Sorghum seedbed preparation was at 23 percent, two points behind last year, but one percentage point ahead of the five-year average. Corn seedbed preparation was at 63 percent, seven points ahead of normal while corn planted was at 14 percent, four points behind normal. In isolated areas, large amounts of rainfall may have damaged recently planted corn. Pasture and range conditions remained very similar to last week and were mostly in the good to fair range. With some precipitation and warm temperatures, pastures were continuing to green in many areas. In parts of the state that have received little precipitation, pasture and grass growth has been limited. Prices for feeder steers less than 800 pounds averaged $105 per cwt. Prices for heifers less than 800 pounds averaged $95 per cwt. Livestock conditions were rated mostly in the good to fair range. In the Panhandle district, cattle producers may have to seek feed alternatives, such as emergency haying, and some may also have to reduce their herds if extremely dry conditions continue. Average livestock marketings were reported last week. 4/7/08 Date: 4/3/08
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