Page 6 - MWC 10-27-2022s

The Midwest Cattleman · October 27, 2022 · P6
Oklahoma Drought Conditions Worsening

By Derrell Peel - Oklahoma State University
The drought situation in DSCI was at 93 in mid-June Wheat that is planted will
Oklahoma is increasing- and has advanced to 393 in either not germinate or may
ly critical with winter ap- the latest weekly Drought not survive due to dry condi-
proaching. According to the Monitor, currently the high- tions. There is little prospect
Drought Monitor, 99.97 per- est (worst) DSCI of any state for winter wheat grazing this
cent of the state is in some in the nation. The DSCI has fall. Hay supplies are very
stage of drought (D0-D4), not been this high in Okla- tight, and a wide range of
with 75.77 percent in D3 (Ex- homa since February 2013. hay types and qualities are water ponds which are filled
treme) or D4 (Exceptional) According to the Oklahoma being offered. Failed sum- by spring and summer thun-
drought. Drought conditions Mesonet system, the last 120 mer crops are being baled for derstorms. Ponds rarely get
in the Drought Monitor are days are the driest for the pe- hay including grain sorghum replenished in the winter,
summarized in the Drought riod in records since 1921. and soybeans. The risk of ni- even in a normal year.
Severity and Coverage Index USDA rated Oklahoma trates is high in many crops The impacts of drought
(DSCI), which can range pasture conditions 72 percent and all hay should be test- are very evident in cattle
from 0 to 500. The Oklahoma poor to very poor in the latest ed. Oklahoma Cooperative auction volumes. Since July
crop progress Extension Service (OCES) 1, the volume of feeder cattle
report. The is offering reduced testing in Oklahoma auctions has
same report rates through the end of the been 19 percent higher year
showed that year for nitrates, basic for- over year, with the volume
winter wheat age (quality), and livestock the last two weeks up near-
planting in water. Contact your local ly 28 percent over last year.
Oklahoma County Extension office for The volume of cull cows has
was 28 per- assistance with sampling been up 112 percent year
cent complete and testing forage and water. over year since July and is
last week, The water situation may up 150 percent the last two
well below soon be the most critical, even weeks. Persistent drought
the previous more than forage, for many conditions are continuing to
5-year aver- producers. Water quantity force producers to market
age of 41 per- and quality is low and de- feeder cattle early and cull
cent complete creasing rapidly. Oklaho- additional cows.
at this time. ma relies heavily on surface

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