LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Kentucky experienced below normal temperatures and above normal precipitation over the past week. Precipitation for the week totaled 1.34 inches, 0.35 inches above normal. Temperatures averaged 44 degrees for the week, 8 degrees below normal. Topsoil moisture was rated 38 percent adequate and 62 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 46 percent adequate and 54 percent surplus. Days suitable for fieldwork averaged 1.4 out of a possible seven.
Primary activities for this week included seeding of tobacco transplants and planting preparation for field crops. Continuous wet weather has kept farmers from making progress in terms of fieldwork. There was some tornadic activity early in the week across the western and central portions of the state. This severe weather gave way to more precipitation and cold temperatures as the weekend approached. A freeze and some snow over the weekend threatens growth of wheat, pasture, and hay. There were reports of hay shortage as some pastures are being damaged due to the excess rain coupled with livestock traffic.
The average height of winter wheat is 10 inches at this time. Eighteen percent of apples and 21 percent of peaches are in bloom at this juncture.
— USDA, NASS, Kentucky Field Office
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