LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Kentucky experienced well below normal temperatures and above normal rainfall over the past week. Precipitation for the week totaled 1.37 inches, 0.28 inches above normal. Temperatures averaged 53 degrees for the week, 9 degrees below normal. Topsoil moisture was rated 1 percent short, 70 percent adequate, and 29 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 1 percent short, 74 percent adequate, and 25 percent surplus. Days suitable for fieldwork averaged 3.5 out of a possible seven.
Primary activities for this week included planting of corn and soybeans, setting tobacco, and spraying. The state experienced cool conditions and several periods of rain that stymied field work. The weekend brought a freeze event that will be evaluated this week. Despite the setbacks, corn and soybean planting continues to run ahead of both last year and the five year average. The corn crop is 42 percent emerged at this juncture while soybeans are 16 percent emerged. Tobacco setting is still in the beginning stages for many producers with recent weather slowing progress.
Thirteen percent of tobacco transplants were under 2 inches, with 50 percent 2-4 inches, and 37 percent above 4 inches. The supply of tobacco transplants was reported as 98 percent adequate, and 5 percent surplus.
— USDA, NASS, Kentucky Field Office
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