LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Kentucky experienced well above normal temperatures and below normal rainfall over the past week. Precipitation for the week totaled 0.34 inches, 0.50 inches below normal. Temperatures averaged 75 degrees for the week, 8 degrees above normal. Topsoil moisture was rated 2 percent very short, 13 percent short, 79 percent adequate and 6 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 3 percent very short, 14 percent short, 78 percent adequate, and 5 percent surplus. Days suitable for fieldwork averaged 5.7 out of a possible seven.
Primary activities for the week included harvesting corn, soybeans, tobacco, and hay. The majority of the state experienced hot and dry conditions this week allowing for good progress in the fields. Harvesting of corn and soybeans is behind last year at this time while tobacco cutting is slightly ahead. Early yields for corn and soybeans are looking positive with condition rated as mostly good for both crops. Condition of housed tobacco was rated as mostly good, however it is noteworthy that there was some reported house burn due to the hot weather this week. Pasture conditions remain good, but the heatwave did stress cattle in several areas.
— USDA, NASS Kentucky Field Office
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