LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Kentucky experienced above normal temperatures and rainfall over the past week. Precipitation for the week totaled 1.18 inches, 0.06 inches above normal. Temperatures averaged 73 degrees for the week, 4 degrees above normal. Topsoil moisture was rated 9 percent short, 78 percent adequate, and 13 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 8 percent short, 83 percent adequate, and 9 percent surplus. Days suitable for fieldwork averaged 4.4 out of a possible seven.
Primary activities for this week included planting corn and soybeans, tobacco setting, and cutting hay when weather permitted. Fieldwork was interrupted at times by heavy rain, which in some cases led to standing water in low lying areas. Despite the adverse conditions, farmers were able to make planting progress. Tobacco, corn, and soybeans are all behind both last year and the five year average at this point in the season. The average height of corn was 12 inches, compared to 9 inches last week.Pastures remain in mostly good condition at this time. Farmers have had difficulty finding a window to cut hay due to the persistent precipitation.
— USDA, NASS, Kentucky Field Office
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