LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Kentucky experienced near normal temperatures and much above normal rainfall over the past week. Precipitation for the week totaled 1.51 inches, 0.64 inches above normal. Temperatures averaged 79 degrees for the week, 4 degrees above normal. Topsoil moisture was rated 3 percent very short, 21 percent short, 67 percent adequate, and 9 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 2 percent very short, 28 percent short, 64 percent adequate, and 6 percent surplus. Days suitable for fieldwork averaged 5.1 out of a possible seven.
Primary activities for this week included cutting hay along with topping and cutting tobacco. The state received some heavy rain this past week which was much needed in many areas. The precipitation did prove a deterrent to fieldwork, but crops were in need of relief. The timely rain will hopefully lead to good grain fill for corn and soybeans. It is of note that some areas remain very dry. Eighty-eight percent of the corn crop is in the milking stage while 71 percent of the crop is doughing. Fifty-three percent of corn is denting with 21 percent of the crop mature. Ninety percent of soybeans are blooming while 80 percent are setting pods. Fourteen percent of soybeans are coloring at this time with just 3 percent dropping leaves. With 89 percent of the tobacco crop blooming, topping is 75 percent complete. Tobacco cutting is moving along with 23 percent of the crop harvested.
Corn, soybeans, and tobacco remain in mostly good condition, however areas that remain dry could see crop stress. Pastures that benefitted from recent rain will be able to replenish. In these areas hay ground will also receive some much needed help.
— USDA, NASS, Kentucky Field Office
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