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A dry December for many parts of the stateOklahoma Only three districts, the Northeast, East Central and Southeast, received over an inch of rainfall during the month of December, according to the National Agricultural Statistics Service, Oklahoma Field Office, Jan. 5. The state averaged 0.89 inches of precipitation, making it the 24th driest cool growing season since ranking began in 1921. Topsoil and subsoil moisture conditions were down significantly from this time last year. Seventy-one percent of topsoil and 61 percent of subsoil moisture was rated in short to very short condition. Although recent temperatures peaked at 79 degrees in isolated areas, district averages ranged from 35 to 42 degrees across the state. Despite the lack of moisture and strong winds in some areas, the conditions of all small grain crops were mostly in the good to fair range. The percentage of rye and wheat acres used for grazing was less than normal, primarily due to dry weather conditions. In some areas, early planted wheat was not developed enough to be grazed, and was in dire need of rainfall. Thirty-one percent of winter wheat was being grazed, four points behind normal. Seventy-six percent of the state's pasture and range were in good to fair condition by the end of last month. Pond levels were beginning to get low in some parts of the state. Some hay and supplemental feeding were taking place. Livestock were rated in mostly good to fair condition. Livestock marketings were average. Drinking water for livestock was beginning to be a major concern for producers in areas that have not received adequate rainfall. 1/19/09 Date: 1/15/09
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