LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Kentucky experienced above normal temperatures and rainfall over the past week. Precipitation for the week totaled 1.35 inches, 0.36 inches above normal. Temperatures averaged 79 degrees for the week, 3 degrees above normal. Topsoil moisture was rated 3 percent short, 78 percent adequate and 19 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 3 percent short, 79 percent adequate, and 18 percent surplus. Days suitable for fieldwork averaged 4.4 out of a possible seven.
Primary activities this week included harvesting winter wheat, planting double crop soybeans, setting tobacco, spraying crops, and clipping pastures. Low lying areas continue to be impacted by excessive precipitation this season, including prevented planting, drowned out crops, and damage to root systems. The average height of emerged soybeans was 15 inches.
The excessive heat and humidity has started to stress some crops, pastures, and hay fields. Farmers have been cutting hay, with some reports of over-maturity in the first cutting due to wet weather and delays in harvesting.
— USDA, NASS, Kentucky Field Office
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