LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Kentucky experienced above normal temperatures and rainfall over the past week. Precipitation for the week totaled 1.30 inches, 0.44 inches above normal. Temperatures averaged 77 degrees for the week, 2 degrees above normal. Topsoil moisture was rated 3 percent very short, 13 percent short, 74 percent adequate, and 10 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 4 percent very short, 15 percent short, 73 percent adequate, and 8 percent surplus. Days suitable for fieldwork averaged 4.9 out of a possible seven.
Primary activities for this week included topping and cutting tobacco, spraying, and cutting hay. Scattered storms and rain disrupted field activities at times over the past week. There were some areas that were subject to excessive rain and flooding, however damage has not been evaluated at this juncture. The effect of Southern Rust on corn where fungicide was not sprayed is not yet clear. Pasture and hay regrowth will be promoted in areas where the rainfall was more moderate.
Corn and soybeans continue to be in good condition. Tobacco is doing well overall with 54 percent of the crop in good condition. Pastures are in mostly good condition, however heavy rain may have been a detriment in the areas where it occurred.
— USDA, NASS, Kentucky Field Office
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