Severe weather seen across state

Oklahoma

During the week ending May 25, severe thunderstorms with large hail and at least eight tornadoes hit the state, according to the National Agricultural Statistics Service, Oklahoma Field Office, May 28.

Strong storms began May 22 and lasted through early May 23. Large hail, the size of baseballs, fell around the Strong City area on May 22. Late in the evening May 22, the Oklahoma Mesonet recorded approximately 1.5 inches of rain within an hour in Putnam. Tornadoes touched down in Kingfisher, Garfield, and Noble counties in the afternoon and evening May 24. Damage to several sheds and small buildings was reported, and several structures located near Lacey were completely destroyed. No injuries from the May 24 twisters were reported. Light to heavy hail damage to crops was reported in various locations. For the week, the state averaged 0.54 inches of rainfall and the high temperature was 102 degrees. There were 5.6 days suitable for fieldwork.

Where wheat harvest has begun, some kernels were reported shrunken due to lack of moisture and extreme heat. County offices received mixed reports regarding the severity of recent storms to area fields. Some wheat producers were concerned with disease infestation. Seventy-two percent of the state's winter wheat crop was in the soft dough stage. Seventy-six percent of rye was in the soft dough stage. Oats jointing was at 94 percent, three percentage points behind the five-year average. Oats headed increased 14 points from the previous week to 70 percent, 15 points behind normal, while 32 percent of oats were in the soft dough stage, 22 points behind normal.

Corn planted was at 97 percent, one percentage point behind the five-year average. Corn emerged increased five points from the previous week to 88 percent, one point ahead of normal. Sorghum seedbed prepared was at 85 percent, 11 points ahead of the five-year average. Sorghum planted was at 26 percent, 10 points behind normal, while sorghum emerged was at 17 percent, four points behind normal. Soybean seedbed preparations were at 78 percent, one point behind normal. Soybeans planted was at 40 percent, eight points behind normal, and soybeans emerged was at 17 percent, 14 points behind normal. Peanuts planted increased 28 points to reach 80 percent, six points ahead of normal, and peanuts emerged increased 22 points to reach 48 percent, five points behind normal. Cotton planted reached 65 percent, four points ahead of the five-year average, while cotton emerged increased to 35 percent, four points behind the five-year average.

In isolated areas, operators were trying to bale hay between rain showers. Alfalfa hay first cutting was at 82 percent, eight points behind the five-year average, while other hay first cutting was at 30 percent, 15 points behind the five-year average.

Peaches were rated mostly in good to fair condition and had an average fruit set. Pecans were also rated mostly in the good to fair range and were reported having an average nut set. Watermelons planted were at 76 percent, 16 points behind normal, and watermelons running were at 13 percent, 24 points behind normal.

Grasses were beginning to thicken and pastures were continuing to green in areas that received adequate moisture and sunny weather. Pasture and range 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 $104 per cwt. Livestock conditions were rated mostly in the good to fair range. Mostly light to moderate insect activity was reported. The hazardous weather has been stressful for cattle in areas where tornadoes and thunderstorms have occurred.

6/2/08
5 Star OK\3-B

Date: 5/29/08

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