LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Kentucky experienced above normal temperatures and much above normal rainfall over the past week. Precipitation for the week totaled 2.57 inches, 1.49 inches above normal. Temperatures averaged 72 degrees for the week, 2 degrees above normal. Topsoil moisture was rated 3 percent short, 73 percent adequate, and 24 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 4 percent short, 78 percent adequate, and 18 percent surplus. Days suitable for fieldwork averaged 3.9 out of a possible seven.
Primary activities for this week included planting corn and soybeans, tobacco setting, and cutting hay when weather allowed. Farmers continue to battle persistent rain when attempting to complete fieldwork. There were a few days of dry weather which allowed progress, however rain moved in towards the end of the week. Rain was heavy at times causing standing water in some fields. Corn and soybeans remain behind both last year and the five year average at this juncture in the season. Several producers have expressed growing concern over crop production due to the continuous rain. The average height of corn was 21 inches, compared to 12 inches last week.
Sixty six percent of the tobacco crop is in the ground, behind both last year and the five year average. The average height of tobacco plants was 6 inches. Although pasture condition was reported as mostly good, the rain has caused some damage due to mud and weed overgrowth.
— USDA, NASS, Kentucky Field Office
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