Kentucky dry spell - record warmth and low rainfall

By Blake Jackson

Kentucky has experienced unseasonably warm temperatures and significantly below-average rainfall over the past week. The state's precipitation totaled only 0.03 inches, falling short of the normal amount by 0.78 inches. Average temperatures for the week hovered around 60 degrees, which is 5 degrees above the usual.

Topsoil moisture levels are concerning, with 17% rated as very short, 43% short, and 40% adequate. Subsoil moisture also reflects a similar trend, with 14% very short, 41% short, and 45% adequate. On a positive note, the state saw an average of 6.9 suitable days for fieldwork, allowing for significant agricultural activities.

Primary farming activities included the harvest of corn and soybeans, seeding of winter wheat, and the stripping of tobacco. While dry conditions persisted throughout much of the week, some spotty precipitation occurred late Friday into Saturday, although many areas did not benefit from this rain.

Currently, the corn harvest stands at 87% complete, in line with the five-year average. Soybean harvesting is progressing slightly ahead of the norm, with 96% of the crop dropping leaves and 64% harvested.

Winter wheat planting has reached 47% completion, with 22% of the crop having emerged. Additionally, tobacco stripping is at 40%, which is 1% ahead of the five-year average. However, the ongoing lack of rainfall and humidity has negatively impacted the condition of stored tobacco.

Pasture conditions have remained steady, with 37% rated as good or excellent, a decline of 2% from the previous week.

Some livestock producers are already supplementing feed with hay due to the slowed pasture regrowth. Livestock health is rated at 2% very poor, 3% poor, 20% fair, 64% good, and 11% excellent.

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