By Blake Jackson
Over the past week, Kentucky experienced cooler-than-average temperatures and higher-than-normal rainfall. The state's precipitation averaged 1.01 inches, exceeding the norm by 0.21 inches.
Temperatures were slightly cooler, averaging 75 degrees, which is 1 degree below the usual for this time of year.
Soil moisture levels reflect the week's weather, with topsoil rated as 6% very short, 23% short, 68% adequate, and 3% surplus. Subsoil moisture showed similar conditions, with 5% very short, 26% short, 67% adequate, and 2% surplus.
The conditions allowed for an average of 6.1 out of 7 possible days suitable for fieldwork. Farmers primarily focused on scouting row crop fields and the topping and cutting of tobacco.
Most of the week’s rainfall was concentrated in the latter half, particularly in the central and eastern parts of Kentucky. Some areas affected by thunderstorms reported isolated incidents of high winds and hail.
Despite these challenges, the corn crop continues to progress well, generally aligning with or surpassing the five-year averages. Currently, 96% of corn acres have started silking, 75% have reached the dough stage, 54% are beginning to dent, and 5% have matured.
Soybeans are also ahead of their five-year averages, with 88% of acres blooming, 77% setting pods, and 21% starting to show color.
Tobacco crops are making good progress, with 86% of acres blooming, 69% topped, and 15% cut. Tobacco conditions saw a slight improvement this week, with 76% of the crop now rated as good or excellent.
Pasture conditions also improved, with 63% rated as good or excellent, up from 60% the previous week. The combination of rain and cooler nighttime temperatures has aided some forage regrowth, contributing to the overall positive outlook for Kentucky's agricultural conditions.
Photo Credit: istock-urpspoteko
Categories: Kentucky, Crops, Corn, Soybeans, Tobacco