Kentucky experienced slightly above normal temperatures and precipitation over the past week. Precipitation for the week totaled 1.40 inches, 0.31 inches above normal. Temperatures averaged 62 degrees for the week, 1 degree above normal. Topsoil moisture was rated 1 percent very short, 2 percent short, 81 percent adequate, and 16 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 1 percent very short, 4 percent short, 81 percent adequate, and 14 percent surplus. Days suitable for fieldwork averaged 4.3 out of a possible seven.
Primary activities for this week included planting corn and soybeans along with spraying. Farmers forged ahead and made progress in the fields despite some unstable weather. Much of the state was subject to periods of persistent precipitation until the weather changed for the better following Derby day.
Burndown applications of herbicide continued whenever there was a break in the rain.
Although more corn has been planted, progress remains well behind last year and the five year average as 14 percent of the crop has emerged. Soybean planting is trailing last year, but just ahead of the five year average.
As soybean planting is still in the early stages, only 2 percent of the crop has emerged.
Tobacco setting is just beginning and will ramp up in the coming weeks. The average height of tobacco transplants were reported as 27 percent less than 2 inches, 33 percent 2-4 inches, and 40 percent greater than 4 inches. Transplant supplies are rated as 2 percent very short, 7 percent short, 82 percent adequate, and 9 percent surplus.
Fifty-five percent of the winter wheat crop is headed at this juncture and remains in mostly good condition.
Pastures are in mostly good condition despite the continued precipitation. Warmer temperatures and drier conditions will improve the condition of grazing land.
Categories: Kentucky, Crops, Corn, Soybeans, Wheat