By Blake Jackson
Kentucky agriculture sector saw a mix of hot weather and scattered rainfall last week. While precipitation fell short of the usual amount (1.29 inches vs. 1.47 inches), temperatures averaged 3 degrees above normal (79 degrees).
Despite the slight rainfall deficit, farmers made significant progress. Topsoil moisture remained adequate for most of the state (65%), with a small portion experiencing dryness (8% very short, 23% short). Subsoil moisture followed a similar pattern (69% adequate). Fieldwork proceeded smoothly, with an average of 5.9 suitable days out of a possible seven.
Key activities included replanting corn and soybeans, harvesting wheat, cutting hay, and applying agricultural chemicals.
The hot weather mirrored the regional heatwave, but some areas received timely rain that eased stress on crops. Notably, corn planting and emergence are complete (100%), with 32% already in the silking stage (well ahead of the usual 19%).
Soybean planting nears completion (94%) with 84% emerged and an average height of 13 inches. Tobacco planting (95% complete) is on par with last year. The dry conditions facilitated a rapid wheat harvest, with 91% of acres now complete.
Livestock and pastures fared well despite the heat and dryness in some regions. Around 83% of livestock remained in good or excellent condition, and 70% of pastures maintained good or excellent quality. Hay producers completed 95% of the first cutting, with 75% rated as good or excellent quality.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-mvburling
Categories: Kentucky, Crops, Corn, Soybeans