LOUISVILLE, Ky. — December brought above normal temperatures and precipitation. December marked the third straight month with above normal rainfall after a drought that ran into September. Based on historical data, 2019 will be in the top 5 of wettest years on record for Kentucky. Precipitation for the month totaled 5.10 inches, 0.65 inches above normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 3.41 inches, Central 5.71 inches, Bluegrass 5.12 inches and East 6.15 inches, which was -1.47, 0.89, 1.25, and 1.92 inches from normal respectfully. Temperatures averaged 43 degrees for the month, 5 degrees above normal. High temperatures averaged from 52 degrees in both the East and the West. Low temperatures averaged from 35 degrees in both the East and West.
Tobacco stripped is at 82%, putting progress on par with historical levels for this juncture. Winter wheat condition was rated as 1% very poor, 2% poor, 7% fair, 53% good, and 37% excellent.
Some unseasonably warm and dry conditions in mid-December aided pastures and animals alike. Heavy rain returned at the end of the month softening up pasture ground and leaving it vulnerable to damage. Although hay supplies are mostly adequate, many farmers had to begin supplementing during the late summer drought period as pastures suffered. The current hay supply is rated as 9% very short, 32% short, 57% adequate, and 2% surplus. The current condition of livestock is rated as 1% very poor, 5% poor, 26% fair, 63% good, and 5% excellent.
— USDA, NASS, Kentucky Field Office
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