Kentucky crop update - dry weather and harvest progress

By Blake Jackson

Kentucky experienced unseasonably high temperatures and a notable lack of rain over the past week, with the average temperature reaching 62°F, 10 degrees above the norm. Rainfall totaled only 0.32 inches, falling short by 0.46 inches from the usual weekly amount.

Due to these dry conditions, topsoil moisture levels were reported as 16% very short, 45% short, 38% adequate, and just 1% surplus. Subsoil moisture levels were similarly impacted, rated at 17% very short, 42% short, 40% adequate, and 1% surplus. Conditions allowed for an average of 6.1 days of fieldwork out of seven.

Primary activities in recent days included stripping tobacco, seeding winter wheat, and harvesting grain. Although Halloween brought some steady rain, overall conditions remain quite dry across the state, aiding the rapid pace of the grain harvest.

Corn harvesting has reached 92% completion, and 75% of soybeans have been harvested, both progressing faster than last year and the five-year average.

Over half of the tobacco crop has been stripped, and the Halloween rain slightly improved curing conditions. Winter wheat planting is 62% complete, with 41% already emerged, and crop quality is mostly rated as good.

Pasture conditions, however, have shown signs of decline as dry weather continues. Farmers are exploring alternative water sources as pond levels are low. Nearly half of cattle feed (49%) currently comes from pasture grazing, but hay is also in use, with quality affected by summer drought.

Hay quality is rated 2% very poor, 6% poor, 22% fair, 56% good, and 14% excellent. Supplies are considered 3% very short, 20% short, 69% adequate, and 8% surplus.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-banksphotos