Kentucky experienced well below normal temperatures and below normal rainfall over the past week. Precipitation for the week totaled 0.21 inches, 0.75 inches below normal. Temperatures averaged 33 degrees for the week, 14 degrees below normal. Topsoil moisture was rated 14 percent very short, 53 percent short, 32 percent adequate, and 1 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 18 percent very short, 56 percent short, 25 percent adequate, and 1 percent surplus. Days suitable for fieldwork averaged 5.2 out of a possible seven.
Primary activities for this week included stripping tobacco, seeding winter wheat, and harvesting soybeans. Weather turned very cold this past week with some precipitation mixed in. Despite the frigid conditions, farmers forged ahead in the fields when possible. The soybean harvest is now 93 percent complete. Currently, tobacco is 62 percent stripped. Wheat planting is nearing completion as weather conditions have hindered emergence for some. Even with late germination due to lack of rain, wheat is rated in mostly good condition.
Pasture ground is in overall poor condition as weather has taken a heavy toll through the fall. Drought slowed regrowth tremendously through much of the season. With temperatures turning very cold, the reliance on hay will increase. Hay stocks may be low in the winter months due to early supplemental feeding along with variable yields.
Categories: Kentucky, Livestock, Weather