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State gets a break from hot, dry weatherOklahoma Parts of Oklahoma received some relief from hot, dry weather during the week ending Aug. 10, when a cold front moved across the state bringing rain and cloudy skies, according to the National Agricultural Statistics Service, Oklahoma Field Office, Aug. 11. The average rainfall received last week was 1.01 inches, and according to local news stations, more rain is in the forecast. After several weeks with temperatures in the triple digits, the end of last week brought highs in the nineties to many parts of the state. District average temperatures ranged from 84.3 degrees in the Southwest district to 79.2 degrees in the Northeast district. Despite the recent rains and decrease in temperatures, soil moisture levels remain a concern among producers; additional moisture is needed to improve row crops and pasture in many areas. There were 6.1 days suitable for field work. Hot, dry days and lack of soil moisture were making it difficult for small grain seedbed preparation. Winter wheat plowed increased six percentage points from last week to reach 89 percent complete. Fifteen percent of wheat seedbed preparation was complete by week's end. Rye plowed increased two percentage points to reach 92 percent complete, with 12 percent of rye seedbed preparation complete. Oats plowed increased two points to reach 91 percent complete. In many areas, row crops received a break from the hot, dry weather during the end of last week. Corn silking continued to wind down at 94 percent, an increase of four percentage points from the week earlier but still four points behind normal. Seventy-nine percent of the state's corn had reached the dough stage, up 12 points from the previous week and two points ahead of the five-year average. Twenty-two percent of the corn had reached maturity by week's end. Most row crop conditions were in the good to fair range, with the exception of sorghum. Sorghum emerged was at 90 percent, up four points from the previous week but 10 points behind normal. Thirty-seven percent of the state's sorghum had headed, an increase of seven points from the previous week. Sorghum coloring was at 19 percent by week's end, up six points from the previous week but two points behind normal. A small percentage of the state's sorghum had reached maturity. Soybeans blooming were at 63 percent, an increase of two points from the previous week but eight points behind the five-year average. One-third of the state's soybeans were setting pods, an increase of 13 points from the previous week but 15 points behind normal. Peanuts pegging increased two points from the previous week to reach 94 percent, four points behind the five-year average. Peanuts setting pods were at 63 percent, 18 points behind normal. Cotton squaring increased 15 points to reach 94 percent, equal to the five-year average. Half of the state's cotton acreage was setting bolls, 17 points behind normal. Haying was in full swing throughout most of last week. Ninety-three percent of the state's alfalfa had been cut for the third time, a two point increase from the previous week. Alfalfa fourth cutting reached 43 percent complete by week's end. Other hay first cutting reached 93 percent, an increase of three points from the previous week, while other hay second cutting reached 27 percent, 11 points behind the five-year average. Watermelons harvested had reached 75 percent complete, an increase of three points from the previous week but six points behind normal. Pasture and grasses, in areas that received rainfall, quickly showed signs of improvement. Pasture and range conditions remained mostly in the good to fair range. Prices for feeder steers less than 800 pounds averaged $112 per cwt. Prices for heifers less than 800 pounds averaged $107 per cwt. Livestock conditions were rated mostly in the good to fair range. Mostly light to moderate insect activity was reported. 8/18/08 Date: 8/12/08
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