News

Rain a mixed blessing for Kentucky growers

Above-average rainfall fell on Kentucky crops last week.  USDA reporters say on average, the state received just over 1.3 inches of rain.  Seventy-three percent of Kentucky’s topsoil now has adequate moisture, with 12% surplus and 13% short. 

Statistician David Knopf says farmers were able to cut some hay, do some spraying, and top tobacco plants.  He says western Kentucky had some historic flooding with many crops in the low-lying areas washed out.

Seventy-three percent of Kentucky’s corn is silking, with 39% in the milk stage and 26% at dough stage.  Two percent of the corn has reached dent stage.

Fifty-percent of the state’s soybeans are blooming, with 29% setting pods. 

Twenty-eight percent of the tobacco crop is blooming, and 12% has been topped.  There are reports of rain and hail damage from several tobacco growers.

Most pasture conditions improved with the rain, but in some areas, it’s now too wet.