Kentucky experienced below normal temperatures and precipitation over the past week. Precipitation for the week totaled 0.54 inches, 0.47 inches below normal. Temperatures averaged 48 degrees for the week, 3 degrees below normal. Topsoil moisture was rated 13 percent short, 71 percent adequate, and 16 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 1 percent very short, 10 percent short, 77 percent adequate, and 12 percent surplus. Days suitable for fieldwork averaged 4.5 out of a possible seven.
Primary activities for this week included seeding tobacco transplants and preparing fields for the planting season.
Cool weather was prevalent throughout most of the week, however the state experienced one very warm day midweek ahead of a storm front. With frost advisories over the weekend, early season crops were susceptible. Despite cold temperatures, farmers sprayed fields whenever possible as they look ahead to planting. While a small amount of corn has been planted, fieldwork will move into high gear in the coming weeks. Seeding of tobacco transplants is on par with history.
Winter wheat condition is mostly good as much of the crop has avoided freeze damage thus far. Freeze damage for the winter wheat crop was rated as 21% moderate, 10% light, and 69% with none.
Livestock are mostly good, however pasture ground could use warmer temperatures and rain to rejuvenate. At this time, 26% of feed for cattle is coming from pasture.
Alfalfa freeze damage was rated as 1% severe, 4% moderate, 13% light, and 82% with none. There were reports that forages are in need of rain to trigger early growth. It is of note that weevils have been observed in alfalfa.
Categories: Kentucky, Crops, Wheat