For the week ending April 26, 2015, rain fell over the weekend in many southern counties, including those in the lower Panhandle, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Southwestern, central and, northeastern areas remained mostly dry. Temperatures were below normal across the eastern two-thirds of the State, while near normal elsewhere. Planting progress was slow due to cool soil temperatures. There were 4.5 days suitable for fieldwork. Topsoil moisture supplies rated 7 percent very short, 25 short, 64 adequate, and 4 surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies rated 11 percent very short, 27 short, 60 adequate, and 2 surplus.
Field Crops Report: Corn planted was at 16 percent, near 18 last year, and the five-year average of 17.
Winter wheat condition rated 14 percent very poor, 18 poor, 31 fair, 35 good, and 2 excellent. Winter wheat jointed rated 17 percent complete, ahead of 4 last year, but near 21 average.
Sorghum planted was at 1 percent, near 2 last year and equal to the average.
Oats condition rated 1 percent very poor, 8 poor, 29 fair, 61 good, and 1 excellent. Oats planted was at 95 percent, ahead of 88 last year and 81 average. Oats emerged was at 70 percent, ahead of 55 last year and 44 average.
Livestock Report: Cattle and calf conditions rated 0 percent very poor, 1 poor, 13 fair, 73 good, and 13 excellent. Cattle and calf death loss rated 0 percent heavy, 64 average, and 36 light. Calving progress rated 90 percent complete.
Sheep and lamb conditions rated 0 percent very poor, 0 poor, 14 fair, 73 good, and 13 excellent. Sheep and lamb death loss rated 0 percent heavy, 65 average, and 35 light.
Hay and roughage supplies rated 2 percent very short, 9 short, 86 adequate, and 3 surplus.
Stock water supplies rated 4 percent very short, 11 short, 84 adequate, and 1 surplus.
