Continued drought affecting crops

Rainfall totals in Oklahoma averaged 0.35 of an inch for the week of Aug. 22-28, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service.

The Aug. 23 US Drought Monitor Report said drought conditions were rated 100% abnormally dry to exceptional drought, unchanged from the previous week. Additionally, 99% of the state was in the moderate to exceptional drought category, unchanged from the previous week.

Statewide temperatures averaged in the upper 70s. Topsoil moisture conditions were rated mostly short to very short, while subsoil moisture conditions were rated very short to short.

Here’s a look at how crops performed for the week:

Row crops: In the central district, reporters indicated that crops have suffered from drought and yields are down substantially.

Corn dough reached 80%, up two points from the previous year but down four points from normal. Corn dented reached 55%, up 14 points from the previous year and two points from normal. Corn mature reached 9%.

Sorghum headed reached 85%, down four points from the previous year and three points from normal. Sorghum coloring reached 55%, up 12 points from the previous year and 11 points from normal. Sorghum mature reached 6%, up one point from the previous year but down six points from normal.

Soybeans blooming reached 80%, down one point from the previous year and two points from normal. Soybeans setting pods reached 55%, down one point from the previous year and from normal.

Peanuts pegging reached 95%, up six points from the previous year and three points from normal. Peanuts mature reached 16%, up three points from the previous year and six points from normal.

Cotton setting bolls reached 90%, up 14 points from the previous year and six points from normal. Cotton bolls opening reached 5%, down four points from the previous year and six points from normal.

Hay: The fourth cutting of alfalfa hay reached 35%, down five points from the previous year and nine points from normal.

The second cutting of other hay reached 90%, up 16 points from the previous year and 20 points from normal. The third cutting of other hay reached 35%, up 21 points from the previous year and 22 points from normal.

Pasture and livestock: Pasture and range condition was rated at 34% good to fair. Livestock condition was rated at 79% fair to good.