By Blake Jackson
Kentucky has experienced above-normal temperatures and significantly below-average rainfall over the past week, contributing to dry conditions across much of the state.
The week's total precipitation was only 0.09 inches, which is 0.76 inches below the norm, while temperatures averaged 68°F, five degrees higher than usual.
Topsoil moisture levels were reported as 80% adequate, with 13% of the state experiencing shortages. Subsoil moisture mirrored this trend, with 72% reported as adequate.
Fieldwork progressed steadily, with 66% of corn and 33% of soybeans harvested. The corn harvest saw a significant increase from last year's 55%, while soybean harvesting is up 5% compared to the five-year average.
Tobacco cutting is nearing completion, with 95% of the crop now cut. However, high winds and rains from the remnants of Hurricane Helene caused damage to crops already stressed by drought conditions, particularly affecting tobacco left in the field.
Despite this, the overall condition of housed tobacco is rated as 49% good and 11% excellent.
Winter wheat planting has begun, with 9% of fields already seeded and 1% showing early emergence. The week's dry conditions have generally allowed farmers to focus on harvesting, while areas receiving rainfall have seen improvements in pasture conditions.
The percentage of pastures rated as good or excellent increased to 38%, up from 31% the previous week, due to the much-needed rain. These conditions signal ongoing challenges for Kentucky’s farmers, but they remain on track with harvest progress.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-banksphotos
Categories: Kentucky, Crops, Corn, Soybeans, Tobacco