LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Kentucky saw below normal temperatures and precipitation so far for the month of March. Topsoil moisture was rated as 44% adequate and 56% surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated as 58% adequate and 42% surplus. Overall, the winter season has been very wet, with significant precipitation totals occurring in February. Winter storms occurred periodically during March leading to accumulations, but with temperatures fluctuating above freezing, significant snow totals did not remain for long. During times of heavy snowfall, some damage occurred due to trees falling and related power outages.
Temperatures for the period averaged 42 degrees across the state which was 4 degrees cooler than normal. High temperatures averaged from 53 in the West to 50 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 6 degrees cooler than normal in the West to 8 degrees cooler than normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 36 degrees in the West to 32 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperatures ranged from near normal in the West to near normal in the East.
Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 3.06 inches statewide which was 0.51 inches below normal and 86% of normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 2.65 inches, Central 3.36 inches, Bluegrass 2.78 inches and East 3.44 inches, which was 1.15, 0.4, 0.45 and 0.06 inches below normal.
Persistent wet weather delayed fieldwork, including fertilizer, herbicide, and burndown applications. Winter wheat condition was reported as 2% very poor, 3% poor, 34% fair, 45% good, and 16% excellent.
Cooler temperatures slowed growth on pastures and hay fields. Additionally, muddy conditions have extended hay feeding and some cattle producers are running short on hay. Hay and roughage supplies were reported as 5% very short, 20% short, 68% adequate, and 7% surplus. The condition of livestock were reported as 2% very poor, 4% poor, 18% fair, 68% good, and 8% excellent.
Farmers continued to work on equipment and perform routine maintenance in preparation for spring planting.
— USDA, NASS, Kentucky Field Office
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