February brought well above normal temperatures and above normal precipitation.
Temperatures have been very warm this month. Preliminary data suggests this will be in the top 5 warmest Februarys dating back to 1895.
Overall precipitation was close to normal, however there were two extensive flood events. Soil has good moisture content currently after late season drought conditions. The instances of heavy rain caused erosion in fields not stabilized by a cover crop. Precipitation for the month totaled 3.62 inches, 0.24 inches above normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 3.18 inches, Central 3.64 inches, Bluegrass 3.16 inches and East 4.52 inches, which was -0.58, -0.03, 0.24, and 1.34 inches from normal respectively.
Temperatures averaged 46 degrees for the month, 8 degrees above normal. High temperatures averaged from 55 degrees in the West to 56 degrees in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 37 degrees in the West to 37 degrees in the East.
Winter wheat condition is 1% very poor, 2% poor, 26% fair, 61% good, and 10% excellent. Many farmers have applied nitrogen to their wheat.
Current hay supply is rated 6% very short, 26% short, 62% adequate, and 6% surplus. Hay stocks remain adequate despite early feeding to compensate as a fall drought stunted pasture regrowth. In some areas, pasture conditions were damaged by the heavy rain events. Forage stands in these areas were affected and will need repair as we enter spring.
Current livestock condition is 1% very poor, 7% poor, 30% fair, 53% good, and 9% excellent.
Categories: Kentucky, Crops, Wheat