Kentucky experienced above normal temperatures and near normal rainfall over the past week. Precipitation for the week totaled 0.75 inches, near normal. Temperatures averaged 57 degrees for the week, 2 degrees above normal. Topsoil moisture was rated 29 percent very short, 51 percent short, and 20 percent adequate. Subsoil moisture was rated 33 percent very short, 46 percent short, and 21 percent adequate. Days suitable for fieldwork averaged 5.8 out of a possible seven.
Primary activities for this week included stripping tobacco, seeding winter wheat, and harvesting corn and soybeans.
Much of the state received some much needed rainfall over the past week. The precipitation halted some field activities, but was welcome as the state had entered a significant drought. Although the state is still dry overall, the recent rain will alleviate some of the pressure created by the past couple of months. It is of note that some areas did not receive significant rainfall.
Corn is now 91 percent harvested. The bean harvest is rolling along at 71 percent complete as 95 percent of the crop is dropping leaves.
Currently, tobacco is 42 percent stripped. The moisture this past week should help the crop come in case. The condition of housed tobacco is 3 percent very poor, 5 percent poor, 20 percent fair, 66 percent good, and 6 percent excellent.
The condition of pasture ground has declined since last week, however recent rain will help with regrowth. Many producers continue to feed hay early. Livestock are in mostly good condition at this juncture despite diminished grazing area. In some areas the soil softened up allowing wheat to be seeded more effectively.
For wheat already seeded, the moisture will promote emergence.
Categories: Kentucky, Weather