Farmers are particularly concerned about the impact on corn and cattle production. Western Kentucky is grappling with a persistent drought, which has lasted for over two weeks and is negatively affecting the region's agriculture.
The lack of rainfall is causing problems for corn growth, leading to leaf rolling, nutrient deficiencies, compaction, and potential yield losses. While dry conditions reduce disease risk and weed growth, residual herbicides may require rainfall for activation.
Wheat crops have benefited from the dry weather as they were grown before the drought began, resulting in lower costs and improved profitability. However, hay production, especially grass-hay, is challenging due to below-normal moisture levels.
Pastures are also suffering, necessitating strategies such as early weaning of calves and using distillery stillage to conserve water resources. The ongoing drought, coupled with summer-like temperatures, is causing crops to experience increased evapotranspiration rates.
Kentucky and the Midwest are currently facing abnormally dry to extreme drought conditions according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. However, there is hope for relief as the forecast predicts above-normal rainfall and below-normal temperatures in the upcoming week.
Photo Credit: GettyImages-Kotenko_A
Categories: Kentucky, Crops, Corn, Weather