By Blake Jackson
Kentucky farmers experienced cooler temperatures and less rainfall than normal during the week ending April 13, 2025.
The average temperature was 48 degrees, 6 degrees below normal, and the state received only 0.42 inches of rain, 0.62 inches below the typical amount. Consequently, the number of days suitable for fieldwork was limited to just 1.5 out of seven.
Despite the lighter rainfall in the past week, fields across Kentucky remain saturated due to excessive rains earlier in April, significantly delaying the start of planting.
While some areas are beginning to dry, low-lying regions and river bottoms continue to be impacted by flooding, with surveying of flood damage being a primary activity.
Corn planting is estimated to be only 3% complete, a significant lag compared to 8% at the same time last year. Soybean planting is also behind, with only 2% completed, down from 8% last year.
However, the milder temperatures have allowed fruit trees to begin blooming, with apples estimated at 30% in full bloom and peaches at 32%.
Winter wheat has started heading, reaching 3% completion, and is rated as 37% good to excellent. The average height of winter wheat is 12 inches. Tobacco transplant seeding continues, reaching 54% completion.
Pastures remain waterlogged in much of the state, particularly in areas with high livestock traffic, leading to deteriorating conditions.
Currently, 55% of pasture is rated good to excellent, a slight decrease from the previous week. Overall, the persistent wet conditions continue to hinder spring fieldwork across Kentucky.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-frankoppermann
Categories: Kentucky, Crops, Corn, Soybeans