By Blake Jackson
Kentucky saw a week of warmer-than-average temperatures combined with lighter-than-usual rainfall, according to recent reports.
Over the past week, temperatures averaged 63 degrees, which is 6 degrees higher than the state’s typical early spring readings. Rainfall was also noticeably scarce, totaling just 0.15 inches falling 0.97 inches short of the weekly norm.
Soil moisture conditions showed mixed results. Topsoil moisture was rated 3% short, 64% adequate, and 33% surplus.
Subsoil conditions were quite similar, with 3% short, 57% adequate, and 40% surplus. Farmers reported having an average of 4.9 days suitable for fieldwork out of a possible seven, allowing many to return to planting activities.
During the week, Kentucky farmers focused primarily on seeding tobacco transplants and continuing the planting of both corn and soybeans. The recent stretch of drier, more stable weather offered a welcome break following the heavy rains earlier this month.
With floodwaters finally receding, fields began to dry out and become workable again. However, planting progress for corn, soybeans, and tobacco transplants still lags behind both last year’s pace and the five-year average.
Winter wheat also showed signs of recovery, 8% of the crop has headed, and the average plant height reached 16 inches.
After suffering from excess rain earlier in the season, wheat conditions have shown steady improvement. Freeze damage remains relatively low, with 13% of fields reporting light injury and 87% reporting none.
Meanwhile, pasture conditions are improving, helping to ease the pressure on hay supplies. Alfalfa fields also reported minimal freeze damage, with 80% showing no signs of injury.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-banksphotos
Categories: Kentucky, Crops, Corn, Soybeans, Tobacco