LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Kentucky experienced above normal temperatures and below normal rainfall over the past week. Precipitation for the week totaled 0.33 inches, 0.44 inches below normal. Temperatures averaged 80 degrees for the week, 6 degrees above normal. Topsoil moisture was rated 3 percent very short, 28 percent short, 65 percent adequate, and 4 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 3 percent very short, 26 percent short, 66 percent adequate, and 5 percent surplus. Days suitable for fieldwork averaged 6.0 out of a possible seven.
Primary activities for this week included cutting hay along with topping and cutting tobacco. Corn harvest has initiated for some growers, however most of the crop remains in the fields. A hot August in the commonwealth continued this past week. There were periods of spotty precipitation throughout the state, but few of much significance. Although the precipitation was not heavy, it was timely for field crops. It is of note that the presence of Southern Corn Rust was observed in several counties. As the corn crop matures, producers will look to start harvesting in the coming weeks. Soybeans across the state continue to progress with most of the crop blooming at this juncture. A small portion of soybeans have begun dropping leaves. With 95 percent of the tobacco crop blooming, topping is 82 percent complete. Tobacco cutting continues to move steadily with 35 percent of the crop harvested. The condition of corn, soybeans, and tobacco remain in mostly good condition.
Pastures will benefit from recent rain and will continue to improve with milder temperatures. The condition of hay is mostly good at this time. There were several reports of Army Worms damaging both hay and pasture ground.
— USDA, NASS, Kentucky Field Office
For more news from Kentucky, click here.