LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Kentucky experienced below normal temperatures and above normal rainfall over the past week. Precipitation for the week totaled 0.81 inches, 0.10 inches above normal. Temperatures averaged 55 degrees for the week, 2 degrees below normal. Topsoil moisture was rated 19 percent very short, 39 percent short, 41 percent adequate, and 1 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 20 percent very short, 42 percent short, 37 percent adequate, and 1 percent surplus. Days suitable for fieldwork averaged 5.5 out of a possible seven.
Primary activities for this week included harvesting corn and soybeans, stripping tobacco, and seeding winter wheat. Much of the state received needed rain this week, however there are still a few areas that remain very dry. The rain was an impedance to the row crop harvest, but was needed to promote pasture growth as temperatures remain cool.
Despite the recent precipitation, many farmers are still feeding hay at this juncture putting stress on winter supplies. Pasture condition has improved, but the necessity to supplement still exists. Soybeans and housed tobacco are both in mostly good condition.
— USDA, NASS, Kentucky Field Office
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