LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Kentucky experienced above normal temperatures and rainfall over the past week. Precipitation for the week totaled 1.14 inches, 0.40 inches above normal. Temperatures averaged 77 degrees for the week, 2 degrees above normal. Topsoil moisture was rated 3 percent very short, 11 percent short, 75 percent adequate, and 11 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 3 percent very short, 12 percent short, 77 percent adequate, and 8 percent surplus. Days suitable for fieldwork averaged 4.6 out of a possible seven.
Primary activities for this week included cutting hay along with topping and cutting tobacco. Corn harvest has begun for some producers, however the majority of the crop is still in the field. Fieldwork was disrupted at times by scattered rain brought in by the arrival of Hurricane Laura. There have been multiple reports of Southern Rust on corn where spraying may no longer be of value due to the crop stage, however the reports are focused in certain areas of the state and not widespread.
Even with Southern Rust present in some corn, the corn and soybean crops remain in mostly good condition. Tobacco is doing well overall with 60 percent of the crop in good condition. Pastures are in mostly good condition and have benefitted from the scattered rain. Harvested hay was reported as in mostly good condition. With rains promoting pasture growth, farmers hope to put away a lot of hay for the winter months.
— USDA NASS Kentucky Field Office
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