LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Kentucky experienced well below normal temperatures and near normal rainfall over the past week.
Precipitation for the week totaled 1.06 inches, 0.07 inches above normal. Temperatures averaged 46 degrees for the week,
10 degrees below normal. Topsoil moisture was rated 5 percent short, 70 percent adequate, and 25 percent surplus. Subsoil
moisture was rated 6 percent short, 73 percent adequate, and 21 percent surplus. Days suitable for fieldwork averaged 4.5 out
of a possible seven.
Primary activities for this week included continued planting of corn and soybeans along with seeding of tobacco transplants. The state experienced a few light overnight freezes this week with mild daytime temperatures. Rain in the early part of the week
disrupted fieldwork. Despite the weather setbacks, corn and soybean planting continued with both crops ahead of last year and
the five year average. The corn crop is 6 percent emerged at this juncture. Soybeans did not sustain widespread freeze damage
due to the fact that they have not yet emerged. Tobacco transplants are in mostly good condition.
The average height of winter wheat was 17 inches with the condition mostly good. Winter wheat freeze damage was reported as
1 percent severe, 4 percent moderate, 37 percent light, and 58 percent with no damage. Alfalfa freeze damage was reported as
1 percent severe, 12 percent moderate, 32 percent light, and 55 percent with no damage. It is of note that any damage may not
be apparent until assessment this week. The average height of alfalfa is 10 inches at this time.
— USDA, NASS, Kentucky Field Office
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