Kentucky experienced slightly below normal temperatures and precipitation over the past week. Precipitation for the week totaled 0.95 inches, 0.02 inches below normal. Temperatures averaged 46 degrees for the week, 1 degree below normal. Topsoil moisture was rated 3 percent short, 82 percent adequate, and 15 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 1 percent very short, 6 percent short, 80 percent adequate, and 13 percent surplus. Days suitable for fieldwork averaged 4.7 out of a possible seven.
Primary activities for this week included harvesting corn and soybeans, stripping tobacco, and seeding winter wheat. Fieldwork progress was steady to begin the week as the weather was warm and dry. Rain moved in the latter part of the week and temperatures plummeted.
The corn crop is mostly harvested and yields will be finalized in the near future. Soybean harvest is just behind last year and the five year average as wet conditions have stymied progress at times. Tobacco stripping is on pace with the five-year average as farmers forge ahead.
Pasture condition remains mostly good at this time, however rain and cold temperatures have taken a toll.
Strong progress was made with winter wheat planting as previously planted acres continue to emerge. The winter wheat crop is in mostly good condition.
Categories: Kentucky, Harvesting