LOUISVILLE, Ky. — For the month of February, Kentucky saw well above normal temperatures and much above normal precipitation. Multiple rainfall events occurred during the month, leading to several flood warnings and advisories across the state.
Temperatures for the period averaged 44 degrees across the state which was 7 degrees warmer than normal. High temperatures averaged from 51 in the West to 53 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 2 degrees warmer than normal in the West to 5 degrees warmer than normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 35 degrees in the West to 37 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperatures ranged from 7 degrees warmer than normal in the West to 12 degrees warmer than normal in the East. Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 9.08 inches statewide which was 5.98 inches above normal and 293% of normal.
Precipitation totals by climate division, West 10.09 inches, Central 10.12 inches, Bluegrass 7.25 inches and East 8.86 inches, which was 6.65, 6.75, 4.58 and 5.95 inches above normal.
The state has experienced an extremely wet winter so far, with local flooding, standing water, and very saturated fields and pastures. Farmers are monitoring weather forecasts very closely in planning and preparing for spring crops; some soybeans have yet to be harvested from 2018 due to the persistent moisture.
Excessive mud, cattle exhaustion, thin body conditions, and nutrient deficiencies are contributing to cattle stress and deaths in many livestock classes. For the month of February, livestock conditions were reported as 6% very poor, 19% poor, 34% fair, 37% good, and 4% excellent.
Scarce hay supplies, high prices, and poor quality have many farmers continuing to search for hay to purchase. Some cattle producers are feeding corn fodder or wheat straw mixed with concentrates to try and meet nutritional needs. A few cow herds have even been liquidated due to the inability to find adequate hay or supplemental feed. For the month of February, hay and roughage supplies were reported as 24% very short, 45% short, 29% adequate, and 2% surplus.
Milder temperatures have contributed to wheat progressing at a faster pace, leading to concerns of potential damage from a late frost. For the month of February, winter wheat conditions were rated as 2% very poor, 10% poor, 26% fair, 53% good, and 9% excellent.
— USDA, NASS, Kentucky Field Office
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