March brought slightly above normal temperatures and above normal precipitation. Temperatures have varied widely throughout the month ranging from seasonably warm to frigid. A cold snap midmonth brought overnight temperatures into the 20s and even teens for some areas. The majority of precipitation occurred during two separate days, one early in the month and one late. The two days of heavy rain were marked with widespread flooding. The rain event later in the month was accompanied by heavy wind causing damage to trees and property. Precipitation for the month totaled 4.59 inches, 0.87 inches above normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 6.81 inches, Central 4.65 inches, Bluegrass 4.08 inches and East 2.81 inches, which was - 2.86, 0.73, 0.72, and -0.83 inches from normal respectively. Temperatures averaged 47 degrees for the month, 1 degree above normal. High temperatures averaged from 57 degrees in the West to 58 degrees in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 39 degrees in the West to 37 degrees in the East.
Winter wheat condition is 1% very poor, 3% poor, 32% fair, 58% good, and 6% excellent. Farmers are spraying wheat with herbicides and nitrogen between rain events.
Current hay supply is rated 7% very short, 29% short, 59% adequate, and 5% surplus. Hay stocks continue to be adequate, however margins have narrowed due to winter feeding. With that said, warmer weather will begin to push pasture and forage growth thus easing strain on hay supplies. Current livestock condition is 1% very poor, 6% poor, 23% fair, 63% good, and 7% excellent.
Categories: Kentucky, Crops, Wheat