LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Kentucky experienced below normal temperatures and precipitation over the past week. Precipitation for the week totaled 0.29 inches, 0.70 inches below normal. Temperatures averaged 50 degrees for the week, 6 degrees below normal. Topsoil moisture was rated 61 percent adequate and 39 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 65 percent adequate and 35 percent surplus. Days suitable for fieldwork averaged 3.6 out of a possible seven.

Primary activities for this week included the continuation of corn planting and tobacco transplant seeding. The weather continues to impede progress in the fields as cool, wet conditions persist. Corn planting, at 10 percent, is well behind last year at 28 percent, and the five year average of 21 percent. Sixty three percent of tobacco transplants are under 2 inches, with 26 percent 2-4 inches, and 11 percent over 4 inches. Soybean planting has been restricted by the weather and the lag in corn planting progress.

The average height of winter wheat was 17 inches, up from 13 inches last week. Average height of alfalfa hay was 9
inches, compared to 7 inches the previous week. Apple freeze damage was reported as 2 percent severe, 11 percent
moderate, 31 percent light, and 56 percent with no damage. Peach freeze damage was reported as 4 percent severe, 13 percent moderate, 32 percent light, and 51 percent with no damage.

— USDA, NASS, Kentucky Field Office

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