LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Kentucky experienced above normal temperatures and below normal rainfall over the past week. Precipitation for the week totaled 0.34 inches, 0.66 inches below normal. Temperatures averaged 74 degrees for the week, 1 degree above normal. Topsoil moisture was rated 1 percent very short, 16 percent short, 74 percent adequate, and 9 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 1 percent very short, 12 percent short, 78 percent adequate, and 9 percent surplus. Days suitable for fieldwork averaged 5.9 out of a possible seven.
Primary activities for this week included planting soybeans, setting tobacco, harvesting wheat, and cutting hay. Farmers were able to make strong progress in the fields as dry weather prevailed across the state. The weekend brought the return of hot temperatures, but much of the week was mild. It is of note that parts of the state received some heavy rain, but it was very focused. Thanks to conducive weather, grain producers were able to catch up on spraying. The corn crop is 97 percent emerged with 1 percent of the crop in the silking stage. The average height of corn is 31 inches, however some fields are uneven due to frequent spring rains. Soybean planting is nearing completion with 72 percent of the crop emerged. One percent of the soybean crop is blooming. Both the corn and soybean crops are in good overall condition. Tobacco condition is mostly good with 89 percent of the crop set. The average height of tobacco is 11 inches.
Wheat condition remains mostly good with 96 percent of the crop in the coloring stage and 69 percent of the crop mature. Thirty-nine percent of the wheat crop has been harvested. Lodging has been reported and may adversely affect yields. Pasture condition is good and will stay intact for the time being as drier conditions prevail. The recent weather has allowed livestock producers to catch up on hay cutting.
— USDA NASS Kentucky Field Office
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