LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Kentucky experienced near normal temperatures and above normal rainfall over the past week. Precipitation for the week totaled 1.73 inches, 0.74 inches above normal. Temperatures averaged 75 degrees for the week, unchanged from normal. Topsoil moisture was rated 3 percent very short, 24 percent short, 67 percent adequate, and 6 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 2 percent very short, 19 percent short, 75 percent adequate, and 4 percent surplus. Days suitable for fieldwork averaged 5.8 out of a possible seven.

Primary activities for this week included planting soybeans, setting tobacco, harvesting wheat, and cutting hay. Rain moved in as the week progressed bringing in cooler temperatures. The precipitation was scattered with some areas getting torrential downpours. Due to the isolated heavy rain, some flooding was reported. With that said, farmers were still able to make a strong push in the fields with soybean and tobacco planting nearing completion. Thirty-one percent of the corn crop is in the silking stage. In areas of the state, corn has been stunted by recent dry weather, but will hopefully benefit from recent precipitation. With most soybeans planted, 20 percent of the crop is blooming. The average height of soybeans is 13 inches at this time. Both the corn and soybean crops remain in good overall condition. Tobacco condition is mostly good with 98 percent of the crop set. Two percent of the set tobacco is blooming at this juncture.

Wheat harvesting is progressing steadily as weather allows. With conducive weather, farmers will be finishing up in the next couple of weeks. Pasture condition is good and will benefit from the recent rain. Livestock are in good condition and should have access to more lush pasture ground as growth accelerates. The quality of cut hay is rated mostly good as cool season grasses continue to do well despite seasonably hot weather.

— USDA, NASS, Kentucky Field Office

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