Farmers face dry conditions in Kentucky

By Blake Jackson

Kentucky faced cooler temperatures and minimal rainfall over the past week, with precipitation totaling just 0.04 inches—0.83 inches below normal. Average temperatures were recorded at 75 degrees, which is 2 degrees below the seasonal norm.

Topsoil moisture was reported as 3% very short, 22% short, 67% adequate, and 8% surplus, while subsoil moisture showed 3% very short, 24% short, 65% adequate, and 8% surplus. Farmers had 6.4 days suitable for fieldwork.

Key agricultural activities included monitoring row crops, topping tobacco, and spraying. Despite the lack of rainfall, crop conditions have remained stable compared to the previous week.

Corn development aligns with the 5-year average, with 93% of the crop now silking, 76% in the milk stage, 61% at the dough stage, and 37% denting. Soybeans are slightly ahead of the average, with 80% blooming, 65% setting pods, and 12% coloring. The 5-year averages for this week are typically 77% blooming, 58% setting pods, and 5% coloring.

Farmers made substantial progress on tobacco, with 55% of the crop topped and 5% cut. Despite the dry conditions, pasture conditions remain stable, with 60% rated as good or excellent. However, rain is needed soon to support further regrowth.

Crop Progress for Week Ending 08/11/24:

• Corn Silking: 93% (last week 90%, last year 66%, 5-year avg. 93%)
• Corn Milked: 76% (last week 66%, last year 48%, 5-year avg. 77%)
• Corn Dough: 61% (last week 56%, last year 34%, 5-year avg. 75%)
• Corn Dent: 37% (last week 22%, last year 8%, 5-year avg. 56%)
• Soybeans Blooming: 80% (last week 74%, last year 57%, 5-year avg. 77%)
• Soybeans Setting Pods: 65% (last week 54%, last year 38%, 5-year avg. 58%)
• Soybeans Coloring: 12% (last week 8%, last year 3%, 5-year avg. 5%)
• Tobacco Topped: 55% (last week 38%, last year 27%, 5-year avg. 50%)
• Tobacco Cut: 5% (last week 3%, last year 2%, 5-year avg. 8%)

Photo Credit: gettyimages-banksphotos