Kentucky experienced above normal temperatures and rainfall over the past week. Precipitation for the week totaled 1.78 inches, 0.79 inches above normal. Temperatures averaged 80 degrees for the week, 4 degrees above normal. Topsoil moisture was rated 23 percent very short, 44 percent short, 32 percent adequate, and 1 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 26 percent very short, 42 percent short, 31 percent adequate, and 1 percent surplus. Days suitable for fieldwork averaged 5.4 out of a possible seven.
Primary activities for this week included harvesting wheat, cutting hay, and monitoring field crops. Some much-needed rain arrived this past week for most of the state easing crop stress brought on by the recent drought. Temperatures across the state continue to be hot, however recent rain should aid ailing field crops.
Corn is 51 percent silking while 15 percent of the crop is in the milk stage. Three percent of corn is doughing at this juncture. Corn condition continues to deteriorate despite recent rain. Excessive heat during pollination may impact yields for some corn producers. Ninety-eight percent of soybeans are now emerged with 30 percent of the crop blooming. Four percent of soybeans are setting pods at this time. There were reports of slug damage in soybeans. Also of note, late planted beans struggled to get out of the ground as the weather turned hot and dry. Yield potential for double cropped beans remains to be seen. The overall condition of the soybean crop is mostly fair as heat and drought have been a detriment. The average height of soybeans is 16 inches. Tobacco is 16 percent blooming at this time. The condition of tobacco is currently fair to good as many producers have begun irrigation.
Pasture condition has improved slightly thanks to recent precipitation. With that said, rejuvenation is slow and has pushed many farmers to feed hay. Forage production across the state has been impacted by the drought. The wheat harvest is near completion.
Categories: Kentucky, Weather