Kentucky experienced above normal temperatures and below normal rainfall over the past week. Precipitation for the week totaled 0.31 inches, 0.79 inches below normal. Temperatures averaged 72 degrees for the week, 2 degrees above normal. Topsoil moisture was rated 2 percent very short, 19 percent short, 70 percent adequate, and 9 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 1 percent very short, 14 percent short, 77 percent adequate, and 8 percent surplus. Days suitable for fieldwork averaged 5.9 out of a possible seven.
Primary activities for this week included planting corn and soybeans, setting tobacco, and cutting hay. There was strong progress in the fields this week thanks to fairly dry conditions overall. There were a couple of days with scattered showers, however many areas stayed dry throughout. Corn planting is nearing completion as seventy-nine percent of the crop has now emerged. The average height of corn at this juncture is 11 inches and the crop is in good condition. Soybean planting is on par with last year and ahead of the five-year average for this point in the season. Fifty-six percent of the soybean crop has emerged. There were reports of slug damage to some of the planted beans, but the issue does not appear to be widespread. Tobacco farmers made a big push with setting this week as the weather was mostly favorable. Of the acres set, the majority are in mostly good condition.
Winter wheat condition declined slightly as 55 percent of the crop is now coloring. Pastures are still in good shape, but would benefit from some rain in many parts of the state. Quality forage has been reported as cutting continues. Hay has been aided by moderate temperatures and occasional rain. In some areas there is an increase in summer annual grasses planted for hay and pasture.
Categories: Kentucky, Crops, Wheat