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KENTUCKY CROP AND WEATHER REPORT--USDA Listed below are the current USDA Crop & Weather Report/Kentucky Climate Summary AND, in addition, previous week's reports for this year. The reports are produced in a joint effort by the UK Ag. Weather Center, Cooperative Extension Service County Agents, Farmers across the state, Kentucky Department of Agriculture, and the US Department of Agriculture, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Click here for the PDF version. --- Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period December 28, 2009 to January 3, 2010 Below Normal Temperature and Below Normal Precipitation After a warmer than normal ending week of 2009, the week pushing into 2010 started the year off cold. Highs were only in the mid to upper 30s, while lows ranged from the mid 20s to upper teens. The cool temperatures were due to two cold fronts that passed through the state in the beginning and middle parts of the week. Despite two cold fronts passing through the Commonwealth during the week, less than normal precipitation was observed. This was mainly due to the fact the cold fronts did not have enough moisture. Temperatures for the period averaged 29 degrees across the state which was 3 degrees below normal and 11 degrees cooler than the previous week. High temperatures averaged from 35 in the West to 36 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 7 degrees below normal in the West to 4 degrees below normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 23 degrees in the West to 23 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 4 degrees below normal in the West to 1 degree above normal in the East. Precipitation for the period totaled 0.25 inches statewide which was 0.60 inches below normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 0.16 inches, Central 0.26 inches, Bluegrass 0.26 inches and East 0.33 inches, which was 0.73, 0.65, 0.49 and 0.52 inches respectively below normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.07 inches at Mayfield to a high of 0.76 inches at Campbellsville. --- Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period December 21 to 27, 2009 Above Normal Temperatures and Below Normal Rainfall: The final full week of 2009 started and ended with cold temperatures. But by mid-week a warming trend pushed temperatures into the mid and upper 50s for a couple of days. Rainfall was below normal for the state but western sections received considerable rainfauring the cold periods, light snow and flurries were frequent. Temperatures for the period averaged 40 degrees across the state which was 5 degrees above normal and 4 degrees warmer than the previous week. High temperatures averaged from 45 in the West to 47 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 2 degrees above normal in the West to 5 degrees above normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 33 degrees in the West to 32 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 5 degrees above normal in the West to 10 degrees above normal in the East. Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 0.66 inches statewide which was 0.29 inches below normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 1.65 inches, Central 0.42 inches, Bluegrass 0.31 inches and East 0.28 inches, which was +0.64, -0.61, -0.55 and -0.64 inches respectively from normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.16 inches at Berea to a high of 3.51 inches at Cape Girardeau. --- Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period December 14 to 20, 2009 Just Above Normal Temperature and Below Normal Precipitation After two cold, wet weeks of December the pendulum swung the other way, bringing the state some slightly warmer and drier conditions. Early in the week a weak cold front moved through, which provided cloudy skies and drizzle in a few locations. High pressure quickly followed for mid week, which provided sunny skies. The main weather maker of the week came in on Friday. This came as a moist low pressure system off of the gulf, which started off as rain and slowly turned to snow. Over the weekend eastern parts of the state experienced the brunt of the system, receiving over a foot of snow in some locations. Central and western parts of the state received little to no snow accumulation. Temperatures for the period averaged 36 degrees across the state which was 1 degree above normal and 1 degree warmer than the previous week. High temperatures averaged from 42 in the West to 43 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 4 degrees below normal in the West to 2 degrees below normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 30 degrees in the West to 30 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 0 degrees from normal in the West to 7 degrees above normal in the East. Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 0.61 inches statewide which was 0.34 inches below normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 0.07 inches, central 0.38 inches, Bluegrass 0.72 inches and East 1.28 inches, which was -0.94, -0.64, -0.14 and +0.36 inches respectively from normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.02 inches at Paducah to a high of 1.88 inches at Jackson. --- Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period December 7 to 13, 2009 Below Normal Temperature and Above Normal Precipitation December’s cold and wet trend continued after another cool and rainy week. The cold wet conditions were mainly due to a strong low pressure system that rolled in Tuesday and Wednesday. It was these two days that the heaviest rain fell in the state. Behind the low pressure system were the coldest temperatures felt across the Commonwealth this season. Wind chills in some places even got down to the single digits, giving our first widespread emergency livestock cold stress conditions of the season. Also behind the system were some widespread flurries on Thursday for central and eastern parts of the state. Temperatures for the period averaged 35 degrees across the state, which was 3 degrees below normal and 1 degree cooler than the previous week. High temperatures averaged from 42 in the West to 43 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 7 degrees below normal in the West to 4 degrees below normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 28 degrees in the West to 27 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 2 degrees below normal in the West to 1 degree above normal in the East. Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 1.95 inches statewide which was 0.99 inches above normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 1.29 inches, Central 2.08 inches, Bluegrass 2.09 inches and East 2.31 inches, which was 0.29, 1.06, 1.24 and 1.39 inches respectively above normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 1.12 inches at Paducah to a high of 2.61 inches at Buckhorn Lake. --- Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period November 30 to December 6, 2009 Below Normal Temperature and Just Above Normal Precipitation: After 5 straight weeks with above average temperatures and 4 straight weeks with below normal precipitation, this past week Kentucky finally experienced the colder and wetter side of weather. A cold front started off the week dropping some moderate rainfall and produced the weeks first fall in temperature. The main producer of last week’s wet and cold weather came in the middle of the week. This was due to a low pressure system that came off the gulf and tracked northeast through the state. The heaviest rainfall came on Wednesday, with some rap around rain the next day. Behind this low pressure, temperatures plummeted for the season’s first arctic blast. Along with another low pressure system that tracked up the east coast late in the week, the cold blast helped produce the first widespread snowfall in the eastern half of the state during the weekend. Temperatures for the period averaged 36 degrees across the state which was 4 degrees below normal and 11 degrees cooler than the previous week. High temperatures averaged from 42 in the West to 44 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 10 degrees below normal in the West to 6 degrees below normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 29 degrees in the West to 30 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 4 degrees below normal in the West to 3 degrees above normal in the East. Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 1.03 inches statewide which was 0.08 inches above normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 0.84 inches, Central 0.87 inches, Bluegrass 0.91 inches and East 1.49 inches, which was -0.16, -0.14, +0.06 and +0.57 inches respectively from normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.44 inches at Covington to a high of 1.97 inches at Jackson. --- Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period November 13 to 29, 2009 Above Normal Temperature and Below Normal Rainfall: Just like last week patchy rainfall could be seen nearly every day…but still accumulated to less than average for the week. The drizzly conditions were due to an upper level trough that rolled in early in the week and two cold fronts that moved in back to back in the middle of the week. Western parts of the state received the most rainfall from these relatively dry systems that only got drier as they pushed further east. Despite average temperatures being mild and above normal due to cloud cover most of the week…the second cold front brought in some pretty frigid conditions. This included lows in the 20s and highs in the 40s for a couple days late in the week. It was not until Saturday that a break in the clouds came to warm up the state. Temperatures for the period averaged 47 degrees across the state which was 4 degrees above normal and 2 degrees cooler than the previous week. High temperatures averaged from 56 in the West to 55 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 0 degrees from normal in the West to 3 degrees above normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 39 degrees in the West to 39 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 5 degrees above normal in the West to 9 degrees above normal in the East. Rainfall for the period totaled 0.06 inches statewide which was 0.86 inches below normal. Rainfall totals by climate division, West 0.13 inches, Central 0.04 inches, Bluegrass 0.02 inches and East 0.04 inches, which was 0.87, 0.92, 0.80 and 0.84 inches respectively below normal. By station, rainfall totals ranged from a low of 0.00 inches at Dix Dam to a high of 0.16 inches at Paducah. --- Kentucky Crop and Weather Report Issued 4:00 P.M., November 23, 2009 34-10 AGRICULTURAL NEWS: After a very dry start to November, patchy rain occurred throughout the week in Kentucky. Even with rainfall totals at 0.52 inches statewide, it was 0.39 inches less than normal. Temperatures for the week averaged 49 degrees, 4 degrees above normal and 5 degrees cooler than the previous week. Farmers continued to make progress on their fieldwork even with the rains that were received. Farm activities included harvesting corn and soybeans, stripping tobacco, and seeding wheat. There were 5.0 days out of 7 that were suitable for fieldwork. Topsoil moisture was rated 4 percent short, 81 percent adequate and 15 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 5 percent short, 73 percent adequate, and 22 percent surplus. SOYBEANS: As of Sunday November 22, soybean harvest was at 92 percent, compared to 99 percent a year ago and 94 percent for the five year average. Producers continued to make good progress on harvest as conditions allowed. Throughout the growing season, conditions were excellent for full season beans and double crop beans received adequate moisture to produce a good crop. CORN: The corn harvest is winding down for many farmers. Corn harvest was at 98 percent complete. Normally, the harvest is all but complete by this time of the year. Many farmers are expecting record yields due to timely rains throughout the growing season. TOBACCO: Forty percent of the burley has been stripped, compared to 54 percent last year and the five year average of 60 percent. The condition of the tobacco that has been stripped was rated as 2 percent very poor, 7 percent poor, 23 percent fair, 53 percent good, and 15 percent excellent. The dry start to the month of November has slowed the pace of stripping tobacco, but last week’s rain helped bring housed tobacco into case and allowed farmers to bulk tobacco. OTHER CROPS AND PASTURE: Wheat seedings progressed as conditions permitted and the corn and soybean harvest progressed. Seedings were at 70 percent, well behind 2008 and the five year average. Wheat field conditions were rated 1 percent poor, 24 percent fair, 61 percent good, and 14 percent excellent. Pasture conditions were rated 2 percent very poor, 5 percent poor, 21 percent fair, 58 percent good, and 14 percent excellent. Livestock are reported to be in good condition with adequate hay supplies available going into winter. Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period November 16 to 22, 2009 Above Normal Temperature and Below Normal Rainfall: After a very dry start to November some wet weather finally presented itself this past week. However…even though patchy rain could be seen nearly every day last week…it was still less than normal. This rainy overcast weather was due to a very slow moving low pressure that setup to our west and gradually moved north. It was not until late in the week that the low pressure system exited the state and gave way to high pressure…which provided a couple days of sunny dry weather. The overcast skies of last week also provided some mild temperatures that were slightly above normal. Temperatures for the period averaged 49 degrees across the state which was 4 degrees above normal and 5 degrees cooler than the previous week. High temperatures averaged from 58 in the West to 60 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 0 degrees from normal in the West to 6 degrees above normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 42 degrees in the West to 38 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 5 degrees above in the West to 6 degrees above normal in the East. Rainfall for the period totaled 0.52 inches statewide which was 0.39 inches below normal. Rainfall totals by climate division, West 0.81 inches, Central 0.60 inches, Bluegrass 0.52 inches and East 0.17 inches, which was 0.19, 0.36, 0.31 and 0.71 inches respectively below normal. By station, rainfall totals ranged from a low of 0.00 inches at Quicksand to a high of 1.08 inches at Princeton. --- Kentucky Crop and Weather Report Issued 4:00 P.M., November 16, 2009 33-10 AGRICULTURAL NEWS: Kentucky experienced a second straight week of warm, dry weather. Only trace amounts of precipitation occurred in the southeast as rainfall for the week totaled 0.02 inches statewide, which was 0.89 inches below normal. Temperatures for the week averaged 54 degrees, 6 degrees above normal and 3 degrees warmer than the previous week. The dry conditions once again allowed farmers to make needed progress on their fieldwork. Farm activities included harvesting corn and soybeans, stripping tobacco, and seeding wheat. There were 6.3 days out of 7 that were suitable for fieldwork. Topsoil moisture was rated 6 percent short, 79 percent adequate and 15 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 4 percent short, 72 percent adequate, and 24 percent surplus. SOYBEANS: As of Sunday November 15, soybean harvest was at 81 percent, compared to 91 percent a year ago and 88 percent for the five year average. Soybean condition was rated 1 percent poor, 8 percent fair, 49 percent good, and 42 percent excellent. Producers made good progress on harvest as dry conditions prevailed. CORN: The corn harvest continued to progress as dry conditions continued for the second straight week. Corn harvest was at 95 percent complete, compared to 99 percent for both last year and the five year average. Some producers experienced long delays unloading their crop at elevators. TOBACCO: Thirty-seven percent of the burley has been stripped, compared to 40 percent last year and the five year average of 46 percent. The condition of the tobacco that has been stripped was rated as 2 percent very poor, 7 percent poor, 21 percent fair, 54 percent good, and 16 percent excellent. The quality of stripped tobacco remains mostly good, however there are still reports of problems with mold and houseburn. OTHER CROPS AND PASTURE: Wheat seedings progressed as fields dried out and the corn and soybean harvest progressed. Seedings were at 50 percent, well behind 2008, which was 99 percent, and the average of 90 percent. Wheat field conditions were rated 1 percent very poor, 4 percent poor, 21 percent fair, 59 percent good, and 15 percent excellent. Pasture conditions were rated 2 percent very poor, 5 percent poor, 16 percent fair, 56 percent good, and 21 percent excellent. Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period November 9 to 15, 2009 Above Normal Temperature and Below Normal Rainfall: Another warm dry week gets us through the first half of November with hardly a drop of rain. The only traces of precipitation fell in the southeast from the remnants of hurricane Ida. Other than that the Commonwealth’s weather was dominated by high pressure…which provided clear to mostly clear skies most every day. Clear skies also gave warmer than average temperatures…with most days having highs at least in the 60s. Temperatures for the period averaged 54 degrees across the state which was 6 degrees above normal and 3 degrees warmer than the previous week. High temperatures averaged from 68 in the West to 64 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 7 degrees above normal in the West to 6 degrees above normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 44 degrees in the West to 40 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 5 degrees above normal in the West to 5 degrees above normal in the East. Rainfall for the period totaled 0.02 inches statewide which was 0.89 inches below normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 0.00 inches, Central 0.00 inches, Bluegrass 0.00 inches and East 0.09 inches, which was 1.00, 0.96, 0.83 and 0.79 inches respectively below normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.00 inches at Bardstown to a high of 0.41 inches at Cumberland Gap. --- Kentucky Crop and Weather Report Issued 4:00 P.M., November 9, 2009 32-10 AGRICULTURAL NEWS: Kentucky received a much needed dry week after experiencing an unusually wet month of October. Temperatures for the week averaged 51 degrees, 1 degree above normal and 3 degrees cooler than the previous week. The dry conditions allowed farmers to make much needed progress on their fieldwork. Farm activities included harvesting corn and soybeans, stripping tobacco, and seeding wheat. There were 5.7 days out of 7 that were suitable for fieldwork. Topsoil moisture was rated 1 percent short, 62 percent adequate and 37 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 3 percent short, 55 percent adequate, and 42 percent surplus. SOYBEANS: As of Sunday November 8, soybean harvest was at 61 percent, compared to 88 percent a year ago and 80 percent for the five year average. Soybean condition was rated 1 percent poor, 9 percent fair, 54 percent good, and 36 percent excellent. Producers took advantage of drier conditions and made good progress on the harvest this past week. CORN: The corn harvest progressed as the weather cooperated for the first time in weeks. Corn harvest at 86 percent complete, compared to 99 percent last year and the average of 98 percent. Producers are still contending with high moisture levels resulting in higher drying costs. TOBACCO: Thirty-two percent of the burley has been stripped, compared to 28 percent last year and the five year average of 38 percent. The condition of the tobacco that has been stripped was rated as 1 percent very poor, 8 percent poor, 18 percent fair, 58 percent good, and 15 percent excellent. The quality of stripped tobacco looked mostly good, however there are still reports of problems with stalk rot and houseburn. OTHER CROPS AND PASTURE: Wheat seedings advanced as fields dried out and the corn and soybean harvest progressed. Seedings were at 35 percent, well behind 2008, which was 89 percent, and the average of 79 percent. Wheat field conditions were rated 4 percent very poor, 10 percent poor, 18 percent fair, 54 percent good, and 14 percent excellent. Pasture conditions were rated 2 percent very poor, 4 percent poor, 19 percent fair, 54 percent good, and 21 percent excellent. Kentucky Weather Summary For the Period November 2 to 8, 2009 Just Above Normal Temperature and Below Normal Rainfall: After a brutally wet October and an even wetter finish…November started off with a much needed dry week. The only traces of precipitation came Wednesday in the north central and east…which in most locations was not even measurable amounts. Every other day was mostly sunny or completely clear...with the only cloud cover coming in on a few nights. The clear skies made for some slightly above normal high temperatures for the week…but they also gave some below normal lows in the mornings which produced frost on a few occasions. Temperatures for the period averaged 51 degrees across the state which was 1 degree above normal and 3 degrees cooler than the previous week. High temperatures averaged from 68 in the West to 62 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 4 degrees above normal in the West to 2 degrees above normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 42 degrees in the West to 34 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 0 degrees from normal in the West to 4 degrees below normal in the East. Rainfall for the period totaled 0.00 inches statewide which was 0.91 inches below normal. Rainfall totals by climate division, West 0.00 inches, Central 0.00 inches, Bluegrass 0.01 inches and East 0.00 inches, which was 1.00, 0.96, 0.81 and 0.88 inches respectively below normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.00 inches at Bardstown to a high of 0.03 inches at Lexington. --- Kentucky Crossued 4:00 P.M., November 2, 2009 31-10 AGRICULTURAL NEWS: Wet weather prevailed across Kentucky this past week. The weather continued to delay corn and soybean harvest and wheat seeding, though some activity did occur in parts of the state. Farmers are in need of drier conditions to catch up with the harvest. There were 2.8 days out of 7 that were suitable for fieldwork. Topsoil moisture was rated as 33 percent adequate and 67 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 2 percent short, 41 percent adequate, and 57 percent surplus. SOYBEANS: As of Sunday November 1, soybean harvest was at 41 percent, compared to 77 percent a year ago and 72 percent for the five year average. Maturity was at 95 percent. This time last year and on average the crop was fully matured. Soybean condition was rated 2 percent poor, 10 percent fair, 52 percent good, and 36 percent excellent. Some late maturing double-cropped beans have experienced mild frost damage. CORN: The pace of harvest did not pick up much over the week. Corn harvest was at 73 percent complete, behind 2008 and the average of 96 percent. Corn with high moisture levels are being dried for storage. TOBACCO: Twenty-two percent of the burley has been stripped, compared to 25 percent last year and the average of 29 percent. The condition of the tobacco that has been stripped was rated as 2 percent very poor, 7 percent poor, 20 percent fair, 55 percent good, and 16 percent excellent. The quality of the housed tobacco looked mostly good. However, there continues to be reports of mold and houseburn. OTHER CROPS AND PASTURE: Most wheat fields were too wet to plant, or waiting for completion of the corn and soybean harvest. Seedings were at 21 percent, well behind 2008, which was 82 percent, and the average of 71 percent. Wheat field conditions were rated 3 percent very poor, 3 percent poor, 39 percent fair, 49 percent good, and 6 percent excellent. Pasture growth has waned with the coo Conditions were rated 2 percent very poor, 5 percent poor, 14 percent fair, 56 percent good, and 23 percent excellent. Kentucky Weather Summary For the Period October 26 to November 1, 2009 Above Normal Temperature and Above Normal Rainfall: Two passing low pressure systems made for a very soggy week. Starting Tuesday a low pressure system rolled up from the south giving widespread rain across the Commonwealth. By Friday another low pressure system was moving to our north from the plains…which drug a strong slow moving cold front across our region. It was not until late Saturday early Sunday that the cold front finally left the eastern part of the state. Both of these systems dropped a considerable amount of rainfall across the state…however the most rain by far fell in the west. Temperatures were mild and just above average for the week…with a couple of day’s high temperatures reaching the 70s. Temperatures for the period averaged 54 degrees across the state which was 2 degrees above normal and 1 degree warmer than the previous week. High temperatures averaged from 63 in the West to 63 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 4 degrees below normal in the West to 1 degree above normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 47 degrees in the West to 45 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 3 degrees above normal in the West to 4 degrees above normal in the East. Rainfall for the period totaled 2.06 inches statewide which was 1.36 inches above normal. Rainfall totals by climate division, West 2.61 inches, Central 2.40 inches, Bluegrass 1.72 inches and East 1.51 inches, which was 1.88, 1.70, 1.07 and 0.80 inches respectively above normal. By station, rainfall totals ranged from a low of 1.28 inches at Jackson to a high of 3.08 inches at Mayfield. --- Kentucky Crop and Weather Report Issued 4:00 P.M., October 26, 2009 30-10 AGRICULTURAL NEWS: Cool temperatures early in the week gave way to warmer conditions by the weekend. For much of the state, the warming trend brought more precipitation, thus slowing harvesting progress. Temperatures for the week averaged 54 degrees which was 1 degree below normal and 5 degrees higher than the previous week. Total rainfall for the period was 0.67 inches, normal for this time of year. There were 4.2 days suitable for fieldwork out of the possible 7 days. Work for the week consisted mostly of harvesting corn and soybeans, seeding wheat, and stripping tobacco. Topsoil moisture was rated as 1 percent short, 51 percent adequate, and 48 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 2 percent short, 55 percent adequate, and 43 percent surplus. CORN: Corn harvesting continues to trail where it would normally be at this point in the season. Corn was 67 percent harvested, behind the 92 percent a year ago and the five year average of 93 percent. SOYBEANS: Soybean harvesting, at 34 percent, remained behind both last year at 63 percent and the five yercent. Eighty-six percent of soybeans are now mature compared to 97 percent for the previous year and 98 percent for the five year average. Nearly all of the leaves have been shed from the soybean crop. As of Sunday October 25, the average was 99 percent, just behind 100 percent for both the five year average and the previous year. Soybean condition was rated 1 percent poor, 10 percent fair, 46 percent good, and 43 percent excellent. Some mild frost damage was reported in the state. TOBACCO: Seventeen percent of burley had been stripped, slightly behind the five year average and last year, which were both 21 percent. The condition of stripped tobacco was rated as 1 percent very poor, 5 percent poor, 22 percent fair, 51 percent good, and 21 percent excellent. OTHER CROPS AND PASTURE: Wheat planting progress continues to be delayed due to the late corn and soybean harvest. Eighteen percent of the crop was seeded this week, compared to 58 percent for both last year and the five year average. Condition of the emerged crop was rated as 1 percent poor, 26 percent fair, 61 percent good, and 12 percent excellent. Ninety-eight percent of farmers reported they had an adequate amount of hay for winter feeding. Pasture condition was rated as 1 percent very poor, 4 percent poor, 16 percent fair, 50 percent good, and 29 percent excellent. Kentucky Weather Summary For the Period October 19 to 25, 2009 Below Normal Temperature and Near Normal Rainfall: Cool early week conditions that delivered frosty conditions central and east Monday morning…gave way to warming temperatures mid week and rain by late in the week. Highs for the week were in the 60s and 70s with lows ranging from the 30s to 50s. Starting Thursday a large frontal system stretching from Michigan to the Gulf entered the western part of the state. This system was slow moving and its affects did not exit the eastern part of the state until Saturday afternoon. Behind this frontal system just like the one from last week were clearing skies and cool morning temperatures. Temperatures for the period averaged 54 degrees across the state which was 1 degree below normal and 5 degrees warmer than the previous week. High temperatures averaged from 66 in the West to 66 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 3 degrees below normal in the West to near normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 45 degrees in the West to 40 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 1 degree below normal in the West to 3 degrees below normal in the East. Rainfall for the period totaled 0.67 inches statewide which was 0.00 inches from normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 1.03 inches, Central 0.70 inches, Bluegrass 0.64 inches and East 0.28 inches, which was 0.35, 0.04, and 0.02 inches above and 0.39 inches below normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.09 inches at Jackson to a high of 1.37 inches at Mayfield. --- Kentucky Crop and Weather Report Issued 4:00 P.M., October 18, 2009 29-10 AGRICULTURAL NEWS: Freezing temperatures were reported in several counties of Kentucky toward the end of this week. Most of the crops have matured and were not affected by the frost. Harvest continues to be hindered by wet fields and precipitation. However, there were 2.1 days suitable for fieldwork out of the possible 7 days. Work for the week consisted mostly of harvesting corn and soybeans, seeding wheat, stripping tobacco, and fertilizing pastures. Topsoil moisture was rated as 43 percent adequate, and 57 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 3 percent short, 54 percent adequate, and 43 percent surplus. CORN: Harvest was about three weeks behind schedule as of Sunday, October 18. Corn was 53 percent harvested, behind the 84 percent a year ago and the five year average of 88 percent. Maturity was at 97 percent. Last year the entire crop was matured, which was par for the five year average. SOYBEANS: With three-fourths of the crop matured, most soybean fields should not be affected by the cooler temperatures. In 2008, 80 percent of the crop was matured, with an average of 86 percent. One quarter of the soybeans have been harvested, compared to 46 percent a year ago and 48 percent for the average. The percent of soybeans shedding leaves has nearly caught up with 2008 and was reported at 95 percent. The average was 96 percent, which was the same as last year. Condition of the soybeans was rated 1 percent poor, 11 percent fair, 45 percent good, and 43 percent excellent. TOBACCO: Excess moisture continued to affect the condition of the housed tobacco, which was rated 3 percent very poor, 7 percent poor, 31 percent fair, 46 percent good, and 13 percent excellent. Eight percent of tobacco had been stripped, behind the five year average and last year’s progress of 15 percent. A few late-planted fields have not been cut yet. OTHER CROPS AND PASTURE: Wheat planting progress was delayed because of the late corn and soybean harvest. Only 8 percent of the crop was seeded this week, compared to 33 percent last year and 40 percent for the five year average. Pasture condition was rated as 1 percent very poor, 2 percent poor, 17 percent fair, 57 percent good, and 23 percent excellent. Kentucky Weather Summary For the Period October 12 to 18, 2009 Below Normal Temperature and Above Normal Rainfall: Cloudy, cool and wet conditions continued across the Commonwealth last week. Rainfall for the state was above normal for the week with the highest amounts falling in the southern parts of the state. The majority of rain fell between Wednesday and Thursday as a low pressure system swept across the southern states. For the beginning part of the week temperatures were moderate between the mid 60s for highs and mid 40s for lows. Starting Wednesday night to Sunday temperatures began to fall to mid 50s for highs and low 40s to mid 30s for lows. Sunday morning was by far the coolest time of the week giving widespread areas of frost across the state due to clearing skies. Temperatures for the period averaged 49 degrees across the state which was 9 degrees below normal, and 8 degrees cooler than the previous week. High temperatures averaged from 56 in the West to 53 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 16 degrees below normal in the West to 15 degrees below normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 44 degrees in the West to 44 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 4 degrees below normal in the West to 1 degree below normal in the East. Rainfall for the period totaled 1.12 inches statewide which was 0.46 inches above normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 1.45 inches, Central 1.06 inches, Bluegrass 0.85 inches and East 1.11 inches, which was 0.76, 0.41, 0.23 and 0.43 inches respectively above normal. By station, rainfall totals ranged from a low of 0.24 inches at Covington to a high of 1.94 inches at Mayfield. --- Kentucky Crop and Weather Report Issued 4:00 P.M., October 12, 2009 28-10 AGRICULTURAL NEWS: Wet weather returned to the region leaving some areas subjected to heavy rainfall which caused ponding and flooding. Also, heavy winds were reported in the central part of the state causing damage to crops and structures. There were 3 days suitable for fieldwork out of the possible 7 days. Topsoil moisture was rated as 1 percent short, 50 percent adequate, and 49 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 4 percent short, 62 percent adequate, and 34 percent surplus. Rainfall totaled 2.29 inches across the state, 1.71 inches above normal for this time of year. Temperatures remained very Autumn-like averaging 57 degrees which fell 2 degrees below normal. CORN: As of Sunday, October 11, 46 percent of the corn acreage was reported harvested, well behind last year’s 75 percent and the five year average of 81 percent. Ninety-four percent of corn acreage was considered mature, behind both the 99 percent for the previous year and the five year average of 99 percent. The corn condition remained in good standing with 1 percent rated poor, 7 percent fair, 49 percent good, and 43 percent excellent. SOYBEANS: Eighteen percent of soybeans were harvested, compared to 29 percent last year and 34 percent for the five year average. Soybean condition was rated 1 percent poor, 10 percent fair, 50 percent good, and 39 percent excellent. Eighty-seven percent of soybeans were shedding leaves, compared to last year’s 90 percent and 91 percent for the five year average. Sixty-five percent of the soybean crop had matured, compared to last year’s 68 percent and 73 percent for the five year average. TOBACCO: At this point in the season, most tobacco has been cut and housed. The condition of housed tobacco was rated 3 percent very poor, 8 percent poor, 29 percent fair, 45 percent good, and 15 percent excellent. Three percent of tobacco had been stripped, 26 percent was ready for stripping and 71 percent was not ready for stripping. Houseburn and mold continue to be a concern. OTHER CROPS AND PASTURE: Wheat planting continued as the weather would allow with 7 percent of the crop seeded, compared to 15 percent last year and 22 percent for the five year average. Pasture condition was rated as 1 percent very poor, 4 percent poor, 15 percent fair, 59 percent good, and 21 percent excellent. Kentucky Weather Summary For the Period October 5 to 11, 2009 Below Normal Temperatures and Much Above Normal Rainfall: Cool, wet conditions continued to grip the Commonwealth last week as heavy rain caused flooding and considerable ponding in west and central fields. Many locations reported measurable rainfall on 4 to 6 days. For the state as a whole, this amount of rainfall was nearly 400 percent of normal for, typically, the driest time of the year. While no widespread frosts were reported, high temperatures stayed mostly in the low to mid 60s last week and low temperatures were mostly in the 40s and low 50s. North and eastern locations reported lows in the upper 30s on Sunday. Temperatures for the period averaged 57 degrees across the state which was 2 degrees below normal. High temperatures averaged from 65 in the West to 67 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 5 degrees below normal in the West to 4 degrees below normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 49 degrees in the West to 50 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 2 degrees below normal in the West to near normal in the East. Rainfall for the period totaled 2.29 inches statewide which was 1.71 inches above normal. Rainfall totals by climate division, West 3.45 inches, Central 2.82 inches, Bluegrass 1.92 inches and East 1.26 inches, which was 2.89, 2.22, 1.37 and 0.67 inches respectively above normal. By station, rainfall totals ranged from a low of 0.74 inches at Bristol to a high of 5.93 inches at Henderson. --- Kentucky Crop and Weather Report Issued 4:00 P.M., October 5, 2009 27-10 AGRICULTURAL NEWS: Dry, cool weather enabled farmers to make some much needed progress on their fieldwork this past week. There were 4.4 days suitable for fieldwork out of the possible 7 days. Topsoil moisture was rated as 1 percent short, 82 percent adequate, and 17 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 8 percent short, 84 percent adequate, and 8 percent surplus. Rainfall totaled 0.47 inches statewide which was 0.26 inches below normal. Temperatures for the week averaged 58 degrees which was 5 degrees below normal. CORN: Thirty-eight percent of the corn acreage was reported harvested, well behind last year’s 57 percent and the five year average of 69 percent. The corn condition reported was mostly good to excellent with 1 percent rated poor, 5 percent fair, 51 percent good, and 43 percent excellent. Eighty-six percent of the corn acreage was considered mature, behind both the 96 percent for the previous year and the five year average of 97 percent. SOYBEANS: As of Sunday, October 4, 10 percent of soybeans were harvested, compared to 16 percent last year and 20 percent for the five year average. Soybean condition was rated 1 percent poor, 8 percent fair, 52 percent good, and 39 percent excellent. Seventy-four percent of soybeans were shedding leaves, compared to last year’s 79 percent and 81 percent for the five year average. About 45 percent of the soybean crop had matured, compared to last year’s 51 percent and 58 percent for the five year average. Farmers reported 83 percent of the soybean crop was safe from frost damage. TOBACCO: Housed tobacco condition was rated 1 percent very poor, 3 percent poor, 26 percent fair, 54 percent good, and 16 percent excellent. Eighty-nine percent of burley tobacco had been cut, behind both the 99 percent cut last year, and 96 percent for the five year average. Eighty-one percent of the dark tobacco had been cut, compared to 96 percent last year and the five year average of 97 percent. One percent of tobacco had been stripped, 14 percent was ready for stripping and 85 percent was not ready for stripping. Farmers reported that houseburn and mold continued to be a concern. OTHER CROPS AND PASTURE: Wheat seeding was underway with 5 percent of the crop seeded, compared to 6 percent last year and 10 percent for the five year average. Pasture condition was rated as 1 percent very poor, 3 percent poor, 16 percent fair, 58 percent good, and 22 percent excellent. Kentucky Weather Summary For the Period September 28 to October 4, 2009 Below Normal Temperatures and Below Normal Rainfall: After two weeks with wet, mild conditions, last week was both than normal which benefited field activities and harvest operations...mainly in central and east locations. Temperatures for the period averaged 58 degrees across the state which was 5 degrees below normal and over 10 degrees cooler than the previous week. High temperatures averaged from 69 in the West to 66 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 8 degrees below normal in the West to 8 degrees below normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 49 degrees in the West to 49 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 4 degrees below normal in the West to 2 degrees below normal in the East. Rainfall for the period totaled 0.47 inches statewide which was 0.26 inches below normal. Rainfall totals by climate division, West 0.59 inches, Central 0.76 inches, Bluegrass 0.42 inches and East 0.09 inches, which was -0.15, +0.02, -0.27 and -0.63 inches respectively from normal. By station, rainfall totals ranged from a low of 0.00 inches at Bristol to a high of 1.04 inches at Louisville. --- Kentucky Crop and Weather Report Issued 4:00 P.M., September 28, 2009 26-10 AGRICULTURAL NEWS: Widespread precipitation continued across the Commonwealth this past week. Heavy rains hampered field work. There were 2.2 days suitable for fieldwork out of the possible 7 days. Topsoil moisture was rated as 5 percent short, 58 percent adequate, and 37 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 1 percent very short, 10 percent short, 73 percent adequate, and 16 percent surplus. Rainfall totaled 3.28 inches statewide which was 2.17 inches above normal. Temperatures for the week averaged 72 degrees which was 6 degrees above normal. CORN: The corn harvest continued, but was slowed down by the heavy precipitation. Eighteen percent of the corn acreage was reported harvested, well behind last year’s 36 percent and the five year average of 53 percent. Average moisture content of corn being harvested was at 22 percent. The corn condition reported was mostly good to excellent with 1 percent rated poor, 11 percent fair, 43 percent good, and 45 percent excellent. Seventy-eight percent of the corn acreage was considered mature, behind both the 92 percent for the previous year and the five year average of 94 percent. SOYBEANS: The soybean harvest began last week, but was off to a slow start due to weather conditions. Soybean condition was rated 1 percent poor, 9 percent fair, 53 percent good, and 37 percent excellent. Several reporters noted that prior concern over double crop yields have eased somewhat because of the recent rains. As of Sunday, September 27, 60 percent of soybeans were shedding leaves, compared to last year’s 61 percent and 66 percent for the five year average. About 25 percent of the soybean crop had matured, compared to last year’s 35 percent and 41 percent for the five year average. Two percent of soybeans have been harvested, behind last year’s 6 percent and 10 percent for the five year average. TOBACCO: Housed tobacco condition was rated 1 percent very poor, 5 percent poor, 26 percent fair, 45 percent good, and 23 percent excellent. Seventy-nine percent of burley tobacco has been cut, behind both the 89 percent cut last year, and 89 percent for the five year average. Sixty-eight percent of the dark tobacco has been cut, compared to 83 percent last year and the five year average of 86 percent. Some farmers reported that high humidity and wet weather are taking a toll on housed tobacco. Houseburn and scattered occurrences of mold were reported. OTHER CROPS AND PASTURE: Some farmers reported that these late rains will help improve pasture condition, and are optimistic there will be plenty of hay and roughages for livestock. Pasture condition was rated as 2 percent very poor, 5 percent poor, 21 percent fair, 52 percent good, and 20 percent excellent. Kentucky Weather Summary For the Period September 21 to 27, 2009 Above Normal Temperatures and Much Above Normal Rainfall: Cloudy, wet conditions plagued the Bluegrass state last week interrupting harvest activity and making farmsteads a muddy mess. Frequent showers and isolated thunderstorms with heavy rainfall were a daily concern. Many locations in central and eastern Kentucky received rainfall every day during the period and 3 to 5 inch rainfall totals were common. Temperatures for the period averaged 72 degrees across the state which was 6 degrees above normal. High temperatures averaged from 80 in the West to 77 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 1 degree above normal in the West to 2 degrees above normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 66 degrees in the West to 65 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 7 degrees above normal in the West to 8 degrees above normal in the East. Rainfall for the period totaled 3.28 inches statewide which was 2.17 inches above normal. Rainfall totals by climate division, West 2.23 inches, Central 3.06 inches, Bluegrass 4.43 inches and East 3.48 inches, which was 1.04, 1.83, 3.36 and 2.49 inches respectively above normal. By station, rainfall totals ranged from a low of 0.25 inches at Nolin Lake to a high of 4.77 inches at Buckhorn Lake. --- Kentucky Crop and Weather Report Issued 4:00 P.M., September 21, 2009 25-10 AGRICULTURAL NEWS: Kentucky experienced widespread precipitation on the southern border and warmer temperatures for the week. There were 5.4 days suitable for fieldwork out of the possible 7 days. Farm activities of cutting, curing and housing of tobacco, and cutting hay were wrapped around the week’s showers. Topsoil moisture was rated as 9 percent very short, 29 percent short, 56 percent adequate, and 6 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 7 percent very short, 28 percent short, 60 percent adequate, and 5 percent surplus. CORN: The corn harvest has begun in earnest in the western third of the State. Optimism remains high based on early reported yields. The corn condition reported was mostly good to excellent with 1 percent rated poor, 10 percent fair, 44 percent good, and 45 percent excellent. Ninety-seven percent of the corn acreage was in the dent stage, just behind both the previous year’s 98 percent and the five year average of 99 percent. Sixty-one percent of the corn acreage was considered mature, behind both the 83 percent for the previous year and the five year average of 88 percent. Twelve percent of the corn acreage was reported harvested compared to last year’s 21 percent and the five year average of 38 percent. SOYBEANS: Soybean condition was rated 1 percent poor, 16 percent fair, 48 percent good, and 35 percent excellent. Several reporters noted that prior concern over double crop yields have eased somewhat because of the recent rains. As of Sunday, September 20, 41 percent of soybeans were shedding leaves, slightly ahead of last year’s 39 percent, but behind the 44 percent for the five year average. TOBACCO: Tobacco condition is mostly good to excellent with 1 percent rated very poor, 4 percent poor, 14 percent fair, 53 percent good, and 28 percent excellent. Sixty-nine percent of burley tobacco has been cut, behind both the 79 percent cut last year, and 81 percent for the five year average. Sixty-four percent of the dark tobacco has been cut, compared to 73 percent last year and the five year average of 75 percent. Sixteen percent of housed tobacco showing houseburn was rated as 9 percent light, 6 percent moderate and 1 percent heavy. OTHER CROPS AND PASTURE: The hay harvest was curtailed the past week due to the change in the weather. Several reporters indicate there was enough hay from previous cuttings to make it through the winter. Hay remains in mostly good to excellent condition with 1 percent very poor, 8 percent poor, 22 percent fair, 50 percent good, and 19 percent excellent. Pasture condition was rated as 2 percent very poor, 7 percent poor, 26 percent fair, 47 percent good, and 18 percent excellent. Kentucky Weather Summary For the Period September 14 to 20, 2009 Above Normal Temperatures and Slightly Above Normal Rainfall: A stalled low pressure system parked over Louisiana and provided scattered showers and thunderstorms for most of the workweek along the Kentucky/Tennessee border, but little rainfall for the remainder of the Bluegrass state, until Sunday when the low moved to the northeast and heavy rainfall occurred for many sections in the state. This was the first week with above normal temperatures and rainfall in the past month. Temperatures for the period averaged 71 degrees across the state which was 3 degrees above normal. High temperatures averaged from 81 in the West to 79 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from near normal in the West to 1 degree above normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 65 degrees in the West to 62 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 4 degrees above normal in the West to 5 degrees above normal in the East. Rainfall for the period totaled 0.96 inches statewide which was 0.09 inches above normal. Rainfall totals by climate division, West 1.36 inches, Central 1.28 inches, Bluegrass 0.68 inches and East 0.63 inches, which was +0.47, +0.17, -0.23 and -0.18 inches respectively from normal. By station, rainfall totals ranged from a low of 0.12 inches at Henderson to a high of 2.24 inches at London. --- Kentucky Crop and Weather Report Issued 4:00 P.M., September 14, 2009 24-10 AGRICULTURAL NEWS: Kentucky experienced a warmer but drier week in which there were 5.9 days suitable for fieldwork out of the possible 7 days. Farm activities last week included cutting, curing and housing of tobacco, and cutting hay. In the western part of the State the corn harvest has begun. Topsoil moisture was rated as 5 percent very short, 32 percent short, 62 percent adequate, and 1 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 4 percent very short, 25 percent short, 67 percent adequate, and 4 percent surplus. CORN: The primary concern for corn appears to be ear moisture content in the earliest planted fields. Optimism remains high about yields. The corn condition reported was mostly good to excellent with 1 percent rated poor, 11 percent fair, 45 percent good, and 43 percent excellent. Ninety-two percent of the corn acreage was in the dent stage, the same as reported for the previous year and behind the five year average of 96 percent. Forty-four percent of the corn acreage was considered mature, behind both the 72 percent for the previous year and the five year average of 79 percent. Six percent of the corn acreage was reported harvested compared to last year’s 11 percent and the five year average of 25 percent SOYBEANS: Soybean condition was rated 1 percent very poor, 3 percent poor, 22 percent fair, 40 percent good, and 34 percent excellent. Several reporters noted that rain would be beneficial for double crop yield prospects. As of Sunday, September 13, 18 percent of soybeans were shedding leaves, slightly ahead of last year’s 15 percent, but behind the 23 percent for the five year average. TOBACCO: Tobacco condition is mostly good to excellent with 1 percent rated very poor, 5 percent poor, 13 percent fair, 49 percent good, and 32 percent excellent. Sixty-five percent of burley tobacco has been cut, behind both the 71 percent cut last year, and 73 percent for the five year average. Fifty-five percent of the dark tobacco has been cut, compared to 68 percent last year and the five year average of 66 percent. OTHER CROPS AND PASTURE: Hay harvest conditions have been excellent the last week due to the hot and generally dry weather. Hay remains in mostly good to excellent condition with 1 percent very poor, 5 percent poor, 22 percent fair, 54 percent good, and 18 percent excellent. Pasture condition was rated as 2 percent very poor, 5 percent poor, 26 percent fair, 50 percent good, and 17 percent excellent. Kentucky Weather Summary For the Period September 7 to 13, 2009 Near Normal Temperatures and Below Normal Rainfall: Drier conditions dominated most of the Bluegrass state last week after a wet start to the workweek. Seasonal temperatures lasted most of the week but increased slightly toward the end of the workweek. Cooler temperatures returned on Sunday. This was the third week in a row with below normal rainfall. Temperatures for the period averaged 71 degrees across the state which was near normal and 2 degrees warmer than the previous week. High temperatures averaged from 83 in the West to 78 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 1 degree above normal in the West to 1 degree below normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 61 degrees in the West to 59 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 2 degrees above normal in the West to near normal in the East. Rainfall for the period totaled 0.60 inches statewide which was 0.20 inches below normal. Rainfall totals by climate division, West 0.31 inches, Central 0.30 inches, Bluegrass 0.67 inches and East 1.12 inches, which was -0.51, -0.55, -0.10 and +0.34 inches respectively from normal. By station, rainfall totals ranged from a low of 0.00 inches at Henderson to a high of 2.15 inches at Grayson. --- Kentucky Crop and Weather Report Issued 4:00 P.M., September 8, 2009 23-10 AGRICULTURAL NEWS: Kentucky experienced a pleasant, unusually cool but mostly rain free period last week in which there were 6.0 days suitable for fieldwork out of the possible 7 days. Farm activities last week included cutting and housing of tobacco, cutting hay, and preparing combines, trucks and grain bins for corn harvest. Topsoil moisture was rated as 5 percent very short, 32 percent short, 62 percent adequate, and 1 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 4 percent very short, 25 percent short, 67 percent adequate, and 4 percent surplus. CORN: Despite several reports of pest and disease problems, most reporters feel generally confident about the corn crop and rated corn condition as mostly good to excellent with 1 percent rated pr, 41 percent good, and 48 percent excellent. Ninety-five percent was in the dough stage or beyond, behind both last year’s 98 percent and the five year average of 100 percent. Eighty-two percent of the corn acreage was in the dent stage, compared to 84 percent for the previous year and the five year average of 91 percent. Thirty percent of the corn acreage was considered mature, behind the 56 percent for the previous year and the five year average of 66 percent. SOYBEANS: Soybean condition was rated 1 percent poor, 18 percent fair, 41 percent good, and 40 percent excellent. Although the crop is rated mostly good to excellent, producers seem to be reserving judgment about this year’s double- crop beans. There were reports of double crop beans being under stress due to lack of rain in some locations. As of Sunday, September 6, 95 percent of the soybeans were setting pods, ahead of both the five year average of 94 percent and last year’s 91 percent. Eight percent of soybeans were shedding leaves, slightly ahead of last year’s 6 percent, but behind the 11 percent for the five year average. TOBACCO: Tobacco condition is mostly good to excellent with 1 percent rated very poor, 6 percent poor, 17 percent fair, 49 percent good, and 27 percent excellent. Fifty percent of burley tobacco has been cut, behind both the 55 percent cut last year, and 59 percent for the five year average. Forty-six percent of the dark tobacco has been cut, compared to 59 percent last year and the five year average of 53 percent. Twenty percent of our respondents reported evidence of houseburn. OTHER CROPS AND PASTURE: Hay harvest conditions have been excellent the last week due to the generally clear weather. Hay remains in mostly good to excellent condition with 1 percent very poor, 6 percent poor, 20 percent fair, 52 percent good, and 21 percent excellent. Pasture condition was rated as 2 percent very poor, 6 percent poor, 22 percent fair, 50 percent good, and 20 percent excellent. Kentucky Weather Summary For the Period August 31 to September 6, 2009 Below Normal Temperatures and Below Normal Rainfall: Another cool week for the Bluegrass state as dry conditions dominated the eastern half of the state...with more rainfall in the west and below normal rainfall overall. Cooler temperatures started off the workweek with a slight warming trend through Friday and a return to slightly cooler temperaturen during the weekend. Temperatures for the period averaged 69 degrees across the state which was 2 degrees below normal and 4 degrees cooler than the previous week. High temperatures averaged from 80 in the West to 79 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 4 degrees below normal in the West to 2 degrees below normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 58 degrees in the West to 57 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 3 degrees below normal in the West to 2 degrees below normal in the East. Rainfall for the period totaled 0.65 inches statewide which was 0.16 inches below normal. Rainfall totals by climate division, West 1.42 inches, Central 0.81 inches, Bluegrass 0.19 inches and East 0.18 inches, which was +0.61, -0.04, -0.60 and -0.61 inches respectively from normal. By station, rainfall totals ranged from a low of 0.00 inches at Cape Girardeau to a high of 2.60 inches at Evansville. --- Kentucky Crop and Weather Report Issued 4:00 P.M., August 31, 2009 22-10 AGRICULTURAL NEWS: Kentucky experienced a beautiful, mostly rain free period last week in which there were 6.1 days suitable for fieldwork out of the possible 7 days. Farm activities last week included tobacco topping, cutting and housing, harvesting hay, preparing combines, trucks and grain bins for corn harvest. Topsoil moisture was rated as 2 percent very short, 23 percent short, 73 percent adequate, and 2 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 1 percent very short, 20 percent short, 76 percent adequate, and 3 percent surplus. CORN: Reporters feel generally confident about the corn crop and rated corn condition as mostly good to excellent with 2 percent rated poor, 10 percent fair, 46 percent good, and 42 percent excellent. Eighty-four percent was in the dough stage or beyond, behind both last year’s 91 percent and the five year average of 98 percent. Sixty-eight percent of the corn acreage was in the dent stage, compared to 75 percent for the previous year and the five year average of 86 percent. Nineteen percent of the corn acreage was considered mature, behind the 27 percent for the previous year and the five year average of 51 percent. SOYBEANS: Soybean condition was rated 1 percent very poor, 3 percent poor, 14 percent fair, 44 percent good, and 38 percent excellent. Although the crop is rated mostly good to excellent, producers seem to be reserving judgment about this year’s crop, waiting to see how pod fill develops and how much rain the double-crop beans receive. As of Sunday, August 30, 87 percent of the soybeans were setting pods, tied with the five year average of 87 percent and slightly ahead of last year’s 86 percent. Three percent of soybeans were shedding leaves, the same as last year, but behind the 6 percent for the five year average. TOBACCO: Tobacco condition is mostly good to excellent with 1 percent rated very poor, 2 percent poor, 10 percent fair, 51 percent good, and 36 percent excellent. As of Sunday, August 30, 88 percent of the burley had been topped, compared to last year’s 90 percent, and the average of 95 percent. Thirty-nine percent of burley tobacco has been cut, behind both the 43 percent cut last year, and 47 percent for the five year average. Thirty-eight percent of the dark tobacco has been cut, compared to 45 percent last year and the average of 42 percent. OTHER CROPS AND PASTURE: Hay harvest picked up again last week due to the generally clear weather. Hay remains in mostly good to excellent condition with 2 percent very poor, 3 percent poor, 15 percent fair, 56 percent good, and 24 percent excellent. Pasture condition was rated as 2 percent very poor, 4 percent poor, 17 percent fair, 57 percent good, and 20 percent excellent. Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period August 24 to 30, 2009 Below normal temperatures and rainfall... Last week was a mild and dry week in the Bluegrass State. Conditions seem to have dried out some as the state received below normal rainfall for the 2nd time in 3 weeks. Below normal temperatures continued to be the rule as they have for the majority of the summer as below normal values were reported throughout the Commonwealth for the 7th week of the past 9. Temperatures for the period averaged 73 degrees across the state which was 2 degrees below normal. High temperatures averaged from 83 in the West to 81 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 2 degrees below normal in the West to 1 degree below normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 61 degrees in the West to 61 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 2 degrees below normal in the West to 1 degree above normal in the East. Rainfall for the period totaled 0.20 inches statewide which was 0.64 inches below normal. Rainfall totals by climate division, West 0.27 inches, Central 0.13 inches, Bluegrass 0.21 inches and East 0.19 inches, which was respectively 0.52, 0.78, 0.70 and 0.60 inches below normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.00 inches at Glasgow to a high of 0.50 inches at Berea. --- Kentucky Crop and Weather Report Issued 4:00 P.M., August 24, 2009 21-10 AGRICULTURAL NEWS: After only a one week break, rain was back again, bringing another week of above normal precipitation. However, days suitable for fieldwork remained unchanged from the week before averaging 5.2 days out of a possible 7 days. Farm activities last week included topping, cutting or preparing to cut tobacco, harvesting hay and preparing equipment for corn harvest. Topsoil moisture was rated as 1 percent very short, 10 percent short, 82 percent adequate, and 7 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 1 percent very short, 9 percent short, 82 percent adequate, and 8 percent surplus. TOBACCO: Tobacco condition is mostly good to excellent with 1 percent rated very poor, 5 percent poor, 14 percent fair, 52 percent good, and 28 percent excellent. Blue mold and black shank continues to be reported as being present in some fields. As of Sunday, August 23, 81 percent of the burley had been topped, ahead of last year’s 76 percent, but just behind the average of 82 percent. Twenty percent of burley tobacco has been cut, behind both the 26 percent cut last year, and 33 percent for the five year average. Ninety-four percent of the dark tobacco was topped, compared to 87 percent last year and the average of 91 percent. Twelve percent of the dark tobacco has been cut, compared to 28 percent last year and the average of 29 percent. CORN: Producers rated corn condition as mostly good to excellent with 2 percent rated poor, 9 percent fair, 47 percent good, and 42 percent excellent. Seventy- four percent was in the dough stage or beyond, behind last year’s 81 percent and the five year average of 91 percent. Just over half of the corn acreage was in the dent stage at 51 percent, compared to 52 percent for the previous year and the five year average of 69 percent. Just 5 percent of the corn acreage was considered mature, compared to 11 percent for the previous year and well behind the five year average of 29 percent. SOYBEANS: Soybean condition was rated 1 percent very poor, 2 percent poor, 14 percent fair, 46 percent good, and 37 percent excellent. As of Sunday, August 23, 94 percent of soybeans were blooming, slightly ahead of the 92 percent for last year and tied with the five year average. Seventy-nine percent of the soybeans were setting pods, ahead of both last year’s 73 percent and the five year average of 78 percent. OTHER CROPS AND PASTURE: Hay harvest continued last week between rains. Hay remains in mostly good to excellent condition with 1 percent very poor, 4 percent poor, 13 percent fair, 57 percent good, and 25 percent excellent. Pasture condition was also rated mostly good to excellent with 1 percent very poor, 4 percent poor, 12 percent fair, 56 percent good, and 27 percent excellent. Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period August 17 to 23, 2009 Above normal temperatures and rainfall... A slow-moving weather system moved through the Ohio Valley during the middle of last week and provided the Commonwealth with above normal rainfall for the 5th time in 6 weeks. Above normal temperatures also continued for the 2nd straight week despite high temperatures in the 70s over the weekend. Temperatures for the period averaged 76 degrees across the state which was 1 degree above normal. High temperatures averaged from 83 in the West to 81 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 4 degrees below normal in the West to 2 degrees below normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 65 degrees in the West to 67 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 1 degree below normal in the West to 5 degrees below normal in the East. Rainfall for the period totaled 1.00 inch statewide which was 0.30 inches above normal. Rainfall totals by climate division, West 1.00 inches, Central 0.68 inches, Bluegrass 0.94 inches and East 1.26 inches, which was respectively 0.45, 0.02, 0.26 and 0.40 inches above normal. By station, rainfall totals ranged from a low of 0.05 inches at Covington to a high of 2.28 inches at Lexington. --- Kentucky Crop and Weather Report Issued 4:00 P.M., August 17, 2009 20-10 AGRICULTURAL NEWS: Finally, we were back to a more traditional summerlike weather pattern last week with the return of heat and humidity. Drier conditions allowed Kentucky farmers to spend a couple of more days in the field last week with 5.2 days suitable for fieldwork. Farm activities last week included topping, cutting or preparing to cut tobacco, spraying, harvesting hay and other general farm work. Topsoil moisture was rated as 5 percent short, 77 percent adequate, and 18 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 6 percent short, 78 percent adequate, and 16 percent surplus. TOBACCO: Tobacco condition is mostly good to excellent with 1 percent rated very poor, 3 percent poor, 12 percent fair, 55 percent good, and 29 percent excellent. Blue mold and black shank was reported, but was not a serious concern. As of Sunday, August 16, 66 percent of the burley had been topped, ahead of last year’s 61 percent, but just behind 68 percent for the five year average. Harvest has begun in early planted fields with 12 percent of burley tobacco cut, compared to 10 percent cut last year and 17 percent for the average. Ninety-seven percent of the dark tobacco was blooming, compared to 90 percent last year and the average of 82 percent. Eighty-one percent of the dark tobacco has been topped, compared to 75 percent last year and the average of 81 percent. CORN: Producers generally feel optimistic about the crop at this time and are expecting very good yields. Corn condition was rated 1 percent poor, 9 percent fair, 48 percent good, and 42 percent excellent. Most corn has moved through the silking phase with 98 percent of the corn silked or was silking as of Sunday, August 16, which was slightly behind both last year and the average of 100 percent. Eighty percent of the corn was in the milk stage or beyond, compared to 92 percent a year ago and the five year average of 93 percent. Just over half of the crop was in the dough stage or beyond at 53 percent, behind last year’s 69 percent and the five year average of 75 percent. About a third of the corn acreage was in the dent stage at 30 percent, compared to 38 percent for the previous year and the five year average of 50 percent. SOYBEANS: Soybean condition was rated 3 percent poor, 14 percent fair, 42 percent good, and 41 percent excellent. As of Sunday, August 16, 85 percent of soybeans were blooming, compared to 84 percent for both last year and the five year average. Sixty-three percent of the soybeans were setting pods, slightly ahead of last year’s 61 percent, but just behind the five year average of 65 percent. OTHER CROPS AND PASTURE: Drier weather was favorable for hay harvest last week. Hay remains in mostly good to excellent condition with 2 percent very poor, 2 percent poor, 17 percent fair, 56 percent good, and 23 percent excellent. Pasture condition was also rated mostly good to excellent with 1 percent very poor, 3 percent poor, 15 percent fair and 55 percent good and 26 percent excellent. Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period August 10 to 16, 2009 Above normal temperatures and below normal rainfall... Summer conditions returned to the Commonwealth as above normal temperatures were reported for the 1st time in 7 weeks. The majority of the Bluegrass State also experienced a relaively dry week as below normal rainfall fell for the 1st time in 5 weeks; however, southeastern portions of the state continued to receive ample rainfall. Temperatures for the period averaged 77 degrees across the state which was 2 degrees above normal. High temperatures averaged from 87 in the West to 86 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 1 degree below normal in the West to 1 degree above normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 67 degrees in the West to 66 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 2 degrees above normal in the West to 3 degrees above normal in the East. Rainfall for the period totaled 0.58 inches statewide which was 0.23 inches below normal. Rainfall totals by climate division, West 0.23 inches, Central 0.19 inches, Bluegrass 0.59 inches and East 1.12 inches, which was respectively 0.48 inches below normal, 0.57 inches below normal, 0.21 inches below normal and 0.19 inches above normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.00 inches at Buckhorn Lake to a high of 1.11 inches at Williamstown. --- Kentucky Crop and Weather Report Issued 4:00 P.M., August 10, 2009 19-10 Agricultural News: Rain has become too much of a good thing for some areas in Kentucky. Most crops are in good condition, but the cool wet weather may have hindered growth in some fields. Topsoil moisture was rated as 4 percent short, 68 percent adequate, and 28 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated as 6 percent short, 74 percent adequate, and 20 percent surplus. There were 3.8 days out of 7 that were suitable for fieldwork, which consisted of spraying crops, harvesting hay, topping and cutting early tobacco, and preparing for harvest. Tobacco: Too much rain has flooded a few fields, especially in the northern part of the State. Most of the crop is still in good condition in spite of some reports of blue mold, black shank, scalding, and other weather-induced problems. The tobacco crop condition as of Sunday, August 9 was rated as 2 percent very poor, 4 percent poor, 16 percent fair, 55 percent good and 23 percent excellent. Seventy percent of the burley has bloomed. Last year it was 58 percent, with a five year average of 72 percent. Half of the crop was topped, compared to 42 percent in 2008 and 52 percent for the average. Dark tobacco that had bloomed was 88 percent, same as last year and ahead of the five year average of 74 percent. Sixty-nine percent was topped, compared to 72 percent a year ago and 76 percent for the average. Corn: Twenty percent of the corn crop has dented, compared to 16 percent in 2008 and the average of 34 percent. Percent of the crop that has reached the dough stage was 38 percent. Last year it was 47 percent with an average of 59 percent. Sixty-nine percent of the corn had reached the milk stage, compared to 74 percent a year ago and 83 percent for the average. Ninety-six percent of the corn had silked, same as last year and close to the average of 98 percent. Condition of the corn crop was rated 1 percent poor, 9 percent fair, 48 percent good, and 42 percent excellent. Soybeans: Crop condition was rated 2 percent poor, 14 percent fair, 44 percent good, and 40 percent excellent. Seventy-eight percent of the crop has bloomed, same as the average, and close to the 76 percent that bloomed this time last year. Soybeans setting pods was at 48 percent, in between the 39 percent that set pods a year ago and the 54 percent for the average. Other Crops And Pasture: The rain has kept the pastures green this week, but some hayfields may be too muddy to cut. Pasture conditions were rated as 1 percent very poor, 3 percent poor, 17 percent fair, 59 percent good, and 20 percent excellent. Hay condition was reported as 2 percent very poor, 4 percent poor, 17 percent fair, 58 percent good, and 19 percent excellent. Kentucky Weather Summary For the Period August 3 to 9, 2009 Below Normal Temperatures and Above Normal Rainfall: Summer-like weather conditions gripped the entire Bluegrass state on the weekend which provided the first day this summer that many central and eastern locations experienced high temperatures of 90 degrees or greater. But the workweek, however, continued the cool conditions of the past 6 weeks. Showers and thunderstorms on the 4th caused historic flooding in central Kentucky, especially in the Louisville area where over 4 inches of rainfall occurred in a few hours. This was the 4th week straight with above normal rainfall. Temperatures for the period averaged 74 degrees across the state which was 2 degrees below normal. High temperatures averaged from 87 in the West to 82 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 2 degrees below normal in the West to 4 degrees below normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 65 degrees in the West to 62 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 1 degree below normal in the West to 2 degrees below normal in the East. Rainfall for the period totaled 1.22 inches statewide which was 0.38 inches above normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 0.86 inches, Central 1.27 inches, Bluegrass 1.34 inches and East 1.42 inches, which was 0.07, 0.42, 0.48 and 0.54 inches respectively above normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.00 inches at Evansville to a high of 4.53 inches at Louisville. --- Kentucky Crop and Weather Report Issued 4:00 P.M., August 3, 2009 18-10 AGRICULTURAL NEWS: July ended with rain throughout the State and with below average temperatures. Most fieldwork for the week consisted of spraying crops, harvesting hay, topping tobacco, and preparing for future harvest. Rain has been beneficial for most farmers, except for those with fields in low-lying areas. Topsoil moisture was rated as 1 percent short, 73 percent adequate, and 26 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated as 6 percent short, 75 percent adequate, and 19 percent surplus. There were 3.2 days out of 7 that were suitable for fieldwork. TOBACCO: As of Sunday August 2, the condition of the tobacco crop was rated as 2 percent very poor, 4 percent poor, 17 percent fair, 51 percent good and 26 percent excellent. Some fields may be affected by surplus rain, but most of the tobacco has progressed well. Three-quarters of the dark tobacco has reached the blooming stage, same as last year and faster than the five year average of 61 percent. Fifty-three percent was topped, compared to 52 percent a year ago and 67 percent for the average. Burley is ahead of last year with 58 percent blooming or better. It was 44 percent in 2008 with an average of 56 percent. Thirty-seven percent of the burley has been topped. One-third was the average, but last year only one-fifth had been topped. CORN: Reports have been very positive about the corn crop. Conditions were rated 2 percent poor, 9 percent fair, 49 percent good, and 40 percent excellent. Eighty-seven percent of the corn had silked, which was behind last year’s 89 percent and 94 for the average. Fifty-one percent of the corn had reached the milk stage, compared to 55 percent a year ago and 67 percent for the average. Twenty-six percent had reached the dough stage. In 2008 it was 29 percent with an average of 41 percent. One-tenth of the corn has reached the dent stage, which was in between the 6 percent last year and the average of 18 percent. SOYBEANS: Single and double-cropped soybeans have progressed well for the most part. Soybean condition was rated 1 percent poor, 15 percent fair, 48 percent good, and 36 percent excellent. Sixty-four percent of the crop has bloomed, compared to 62 percent last year and 69 percent for the average. Thirty percent of the soybeans have set pods, ahead of the 22 percent a year ago, and the five year average of 42 percent. OTHER CROPS AND PASTURE: The wet July was great for pastures and hay production, but brought less than ideal conditions for cutting and storing the hay. Pasture conditions were rated as 1 percent very poor, 3 percent poor, 16 percent fair, 56 percent good, and 24 percent excellent. Hay condition was reported as 1 percent very poor, 3 percent poor, 15 percent fair, 59 percent good, and 22 percent excellent. Kentucky Weather Summary For the Period July 27 to August 2, 2009 Below Normal Temperatures and Above Normal Rainfall: Heavy rain occurred across the Bluegrass state last week which continued the wet, cool weather pattern of the past several weeks. Tuesday and Sunday were the drier days of last week. Rainfall totals of 1 to 3 inches were common with localized totals of 4 to 6 inches received, especially in northern counties and along the Ohio River. Temperatures for the period averaged 74 degrees across the state which was 2 degrees below normal and 4 degrees warmer than the previous week. High temperatures averaged from 82 in the West to 81 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 7 degrees below normal in the West to 4 degrees below normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 65 degrees in the West to 66 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 1 degree below normal in the West to 1 degree above normal in the East. Rainfall for the period totaled 2.14 inches statewide which was 1.15 inches above normal. rainfall totals by climate division, West 1.47 inches, Central 2.36 inches, Bluegrass 2.55 inches and East 2.18 inches, which was 0.58, 1.33, 1.54 and 1.12 inches respectively above normal. By station, rainfall totals ranged from a low of 0.35 inches at Nashville to a high of 3.67 inches at Williamstown. --- Kentucky Crop and Weather Report Issued 4:00 P.M., July 27, 2009 17-10 AGRICULTURAL NEWS: Farmers continue to enjoy frequent showers that have created a very unusual July across Kentucky. Most of the crops are in very good condition. Milder weather prevailed again with below normal temperatures reported for the last 4 weeks. Topsoil moisture was rated as 4 percent short, 80 percent adequate, and 16 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated as 13 percent short, 80 percent adequate, and 7 percent surplus. There were 4.4 days out of 7 that were suitable for fieldwork, which mostly consisted of topping and spraying tobacco. CORN: Rain has been very good for ear development, though the crop progression is still behind last year and the five year average. Seventy-one percent of the corn had silked as of July 26, compared with 80 percent in 2008 and 89 percent for the average. Thirty percent of the corn had reached the milk stage, compared with 41 percent a year ago and 54 percent for the average. Only 9 percent of the crop has reached the dough stage. The average is a quarter of the crop, though last year it was 17 percent. The corn condition was rated 1 percent very poor, 2 percent poor, 10 percent fair, 46 percent good, and 41 percent excellent. SOYBEANS: Half of the crop has bloomed, compared to 45 percent last year and 59 percent for the average. Sixteen percent of the soybeans have set pods, ahead of the 9 percent a year ago, and the five year average of 31 percent. Soybean condition was rated 1 percent very poor, 2 percent poor, 11 percent fair, 43 percent good, and 43 percent excellent. All the pleasant weather this year has made farmers cautiously optimistic about the soybeans. There have been some concerns that the crop might get too wet and rust might be an issue later. TOBACCO: Though topping tobacco was a priority for the week, only 21 percent of the burley and 36 percent of the dark tobacco has been topped. In 2008 it was 14 and 41 percent, with an average of 20 and 45 percent, respectively. Condition of the tobacco crop was reported as 1 percent very poor, 5 percent poor, 18 percent fair, 49 percent good and 27 percent excellent as of Sunday July 26. Thirty- eight percent of the burley and sixty percent of the dark tobacco was blooming or beyond. Except for a few minor quality issues, all tobacco crops are doing very well. OTHER CROPS AND PASTURE: Abundant rain and lower temperatures have encouraged hay and pasture growth with little stress. Hay condition was reported as 1 percent very poor, 3 percent poor, 17 percent fair, 58 percent good, and 21 percent excellent. Pasture conditions are rated as 1 percent very poor, 3 percent poor, 20 percent fair, 57 percent good, and 19 percent excellent. Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period July 20 to 26, 2009 A wet pattern returned to the Commonwealth as the state received the most rainfall in a weekly period since the beginning of May. Last week was also the 2nd straight week of above normal rainfall. Cool temperatures continued to be the rule as below normal temperatures were reported for the 4th straight week. With the current trend of below normal temperatures, the Bluegrass State is experiencing one of the coolest Julys in the past 100 years. Temperatures for the period averaged 70 degrees across the state which was 7 degrees below normal. High temperatures averaged from 81 in the West to 80 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 8 degrees below normal in the West to 6 degrees below normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 64 degrees in the West to 61 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 3 degrees below normal in the West to 4 degrees below normal in the East. Rainfall for the period totaled 1.95 inches statewide which was 0.98 inches above normal. Rainfall totals by climate division, West 2.11 inches, Central 1.93 inches, Bluegrass 1.99 inches and East 1.80 inches, which was respectively 1.16, 0.99, 1.00 and 0.83 inches above normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.63 inches at Grayson to a high of 3.28 inches at Paducah. --- Kentucky Crop and Weather Report Issued 4:00 P.M., July 20, 2009 16-10 AGRICULTURAL NEWS: The Commonwealth received above normal rainfall for the first time in 3 weeks; however, not all of the State experienced high weekly rainfall totals. The cool trend for summer continued as below normal temperature values were reported for the third straight week. The main fieldwork this past week consisted of tobacco topping and soybean spraying. Topsoil moisture was rated as 1 percent very short, 12 percent short, 80 percent adequate, and 7 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated as 2 percent very short, 11 percent short, 80 percent adequate, and 7 percent surplus. There were 5.2 days, out of a possible 7, suitable for fieldwork. CORN: The corn continues to look good. As of July 19, fifty-six percent of the corn was silking compared to the 65 percent last year and 80 percent for the five year average. Corn milking was reported at 9 percent, compared to last year’s 23 percent and the five year average of 39 percent. The corn condition was rated 1 percent very poor, 4 percent poor, 17 percent fair, 53 percent good, and 25 percent excellent. SOYBEANS: Farmers report soybeans continue to look good and are optimistic about the crop prospects if they continue to receive timely rain. Soybean blooming was reported at 35 percent, compared to last year’s 27 percent and the five year average of 47 percent. Soybean condition was rated 3 percent poor, 17 percent fair, 53 percent good, and 27 percent excellent. TOBACCO: As of Sunday July 19, the tobacco crop condition was reported as 1 percent very poor, 3 percent poor, 21 percent fair, 53 percent good and 22 percent excellent. Twenty-four percent of the burley tobacco was blooming or beyond, and 10 percent has been topped. Thirty-one percent of the dark tobacco was blooming or beyond, and 19 percent has been topped. Farmers are still reporting worms on tobacco and some are reporting black shank in their tobacco fields. OTHER CROPS AND PASTURE: Hay harvesting is continuing to hold with the cooler than normal temperatures. Hay condition was reported as 3 percent poor, 17 percent fair, 61 percent good, and 19 percent excellent. Pasture conditions are rated as 1 percent very poor, 3 percent poor, 22 percent fair, 56 percent good, and 18 percent excellent. Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period July 13 to 19, 2009 The Commonwealth received above normal rainfall for the 1st time in 3 weeks, however, not all of the state experienced high weekly rainfall totals. Southern and western portions of the state received abundant rainfall, while showers in the north and east were few and far between. The cool trend for Summer continued as below normal temperature values were reported for the 3rd straight week. Temperatures for the period averaged 72 degrees across the state which was 5 degrees below normal. High temperatures averaged from 82 in the West to 79 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 8 degrees below normal in the West to 7 degrees below normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 65 degrees in the West to 62 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 2 degrees below normal in the West to 3 degrees below normal in the East. Rainfall for the period totaled 1.06 inches statewide which was 0.15 inches above normal. Rainfall totals by climate division, West 1.46 inches, Central 1.63 inches, Bluegrass 0.57 inches and East 0.68 inches, which was respectively 0.74 inches above normal, 0.56 inches above normal, 0.43 inches below normal and 0.21 inches below normal. By station, rainfall totals ranged from a low of 0.00 inches at Nolin Lake to a high of 2.82 inches at Bowling Green. --- Kentucky Crop and Weather Report Issued 4:00 P.M., July 13, 2009 15-10 AGRICULTURAL NEWS: Temperatures continued to be mild as below normal values were reported for the second straight week. The main fieldwork this past week consisted of hay cutting, crop spraying, and harvesting alfalfa. Topsoil moisture was rated as 2 percent very short, 14 percent short, 75 percent adequate, and 9 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated as 1 percent very short, 12 percent short, 76 percent adequate, and 11 percent surplus. There were 5.7 days, out of a possible 7, suitable for fieldwork. CORN: The corn continues to look good. As of July 12, thirty-seven percent of the corn was silking compared to the 40 percent last year and 68 percent for the five year average. The corn condition was rated 1 percent very poor, 3 percent poor, 19 percent fair, 58 percent good, and 19 percent excellent. SOYBEANS: The majority of the single and double crop soybeans look good. Soybeans blooming was reported at 18 percent, compared to last year’s 14 percent and the five year average of 32 percent. Soybean condition was rated 1 percent very poor, 2 percent poor, 18 percent fair, 57 percent good, and 22 percent excellent. TOBACCO: Most tobacco is looking good; however, some farmers are reporting worms on tobacco. As of Sunday July 12, the tobacco crop condition was reported as 1 percent very poor, 3 percent poor, 23 percent fair, 51 percent good and 22 percent excellent. Twenty-five percent of set tobacco was under 12 inches high, 40 percent between 12 and 24 inches, and 35 percent was over 24 inches high. OTHER CROPS AND PASTURE: As of July 12, 97 percent of the wheat had been harvested, ahead of last year’s 91 percent, and the five year average of 93 percent. Hay harvesting is well under way. Cooler weather continues to aid in pastures holding up well. Pasture conditions are rated as 1 percent very poor, 4 percent poor, 25 percent fair, 51 percent good, and 19 percent excellent. Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period July 6 to 12, 2009 Below normal temperatures and rainfall... High pressure built in over the Commonwealth during the work week keeping the state relatively dry until the weekend. A frontal boundary did move through the region Saturday and Sunday and caused scattered showers and thunderstorms; however, not much rainfall was received in much of the state, and this led to below normal rainfall for the 2nd straight week. Temperatures also continued to be mild as below normal values were reported for the 2nd straight week as well. Temperatures for the period averaged 74 degrees across the state which was 3 degrees below normal. High temperatures averaged from 87 in the West to 83 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 2 degrees below normal in the West to 3 degrees below normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 67 degrees in the West to 63 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 1 degree above normal in the West to 2 degrees below normal in the East. Rainfall for the period totaled 0.35 inches statewide which was 0.71 inches below normal. Rainfall totals by climate division, West 0.62 inches, Central 0.22 inches, Bluegrass 0.29 inches and East 0.26 inches, which was 0.31, 0.88, 0.77 and 0.87 inches respectively below normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.00 inches at Campbellsville to a high of 1.24 inches at Paducah. --- Kentucky Crop and Weather Report Issued 4:00 P.M., July 6, 2009 14-10 AGRICULTURAL NEWS: Temperatures throughout the State were below normal for the first time in 3 weeks and below normal rainfall was reported for the first time in 6 weeks. The main fieldwork this past week consisted of harvesting wheat and hay, planting soybeans, and setting tobacco. Topsoil moisture was rated as 2 percent very short, 18 percent short, 75 percent adequate, and 5 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated as 13 percent short, 78 percent adequate, and 9 percent surplus. There were 5.6 days, out of a possible 7, suitable for fieldwork. CORN: The corn continues to look good. As of July 5, twenty-four percent of the corn was silking compared to the 15 percent last year and 50 percent for the five year average. The emerged corn condition was rated 1 percent very poor, 4 percent poor, 21 percent fair, 55 percent good, and 19 percent excellent. SOYBEANS: The majority of the soybean crop looks good. Eighty-two percent of double cropped soybeans were planted compared to 88 percent last year. Soybeans emerged was reported at 92 percent, compared with last year’s 93 percent, and the five year average of 96 percent. Soybeans blooming was reported at 6 percent, compared to last year’s 7 percent and the five year average of 21 percent. Soybean condition was rated 1 percent very poor, 3 percent poor, 17 percent fair, 53 percent good, and 26 percent excellent. TOBACCO: Some reporters stated that the tobacco crop looks yellow and uneven. As of Sunday July 5, the tobacco crop condition was reported as 1 percent very poor, 7 percent poor, 24 percent fair, 51 percent good and 17 percent excellent. Forty percent of set tobacco was under 12 inches high, 39 percent between 12 and 24 inches, and 21 percent was over 24 inches high. SMALL GRAINS: As of July 5, 92 percent of the wheat had been harvested, slightly ahead of last year’s 91 percent, but slightly behind the five year average of 93 percent. Farmers are continuing to report disease, low test weights and yields as their main concerns for the wheat crop. OTHER CROPS AND PASTURE: Hay harvesting is well under way. Cooler weather aided in pastures holding up well. Pasture conditions are rated as 1 percent very poor, 3 percent poor, 28 percent fair, 50 percent good, and 18 percent excellent. Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period June 29 to July 5, 2009 Below normal temperatures and rainfall... Recent trends of above normal temperatures and rainfall came to an end last week. Temperatures throughout the Commonwealth were below normal for the first time in 3 weeks, and below normal rainfall was reported for the first time in 6 weeks. Temperatures for the period averaged 70 degrees across the state which was 5 degrees below normal. High temperatures averaged from 84 in the West to 76 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 5 degrees below normal in the West to 9 degrees below normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 63 degrees in the West to 60 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 3 degrees below normal in the West to 4 degrees below normal in the East. Rainfall for the period totaled 0.74 inches statewide which was 0.46 inches below normal. Rainfall totals by climate division, West 1.22 inches, Central 0.74 inches, Bluegrass 0.63 inches and East 0.46 inches, which was 0.06, 0.42, 0.51 and 0.75 inches respectively below normal. By station, rainfall totals ranged from a low of 0.13 inches at Dix Dam to a high of 2.39 inches at Nashville. --- Kentucky Crop and Weather Report Issued 4:00 P.M., June 29, 2009 13-10 AGRICULTURAL NEWS: The main weather topic of discussion this week was the high temperatures throughout the State that even produced heat advisories for a couple of days. The State did receive rain towards the end of the week. The main fieldwork this past week consisted of harvesting wheat, planting soybeans, and setting tobacco. Topsoil moisture was rated as 1 percent very short, 9 percent short, 77 percent adequate, and 13 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated as 1 percent very short, 8 percent short, 76 percent adequate, and 15 percent surplus. There were 5.0 days, out of a possible 7, suitable for fieldwork. CORN: The corn is looking good, and with the heat and rains received last week it matured quickly. The early planted corn is beginning to tassel. As of June 28, 11 percent of the corn was tasseling, compared to the 9 percent last year, and 28 percent for the five year average. Three percent of the corn was silking compared to the 6 percent last year and 25 percent for the five year average. The emerged corn condition was rated 3 percent poor, 26 percent fair, 53 percent good, and 18 percent excellent. SOYBEANS: Soybean planting made excellent progress and was 92 percent complete, compared to last year’s 90 percent, and the five year average of 95 percent. Soybeans emerged was reported at 82 percent, compared with last year’s 83 percent, and the five year average of 89 percent. The emerged soybean height was 7 inches high, last year the soybean height was 8 inches. Soybeans blooming was reported at 3 percent, compared with the five year average of 9 percent. Soybean condition remained stable with 1 percent rated as poor, 24 percent fair, 54 percent good, and 21 percent excellent. TOBACCO: Late tobacco is still being set in fields that were previously too wet to get into. The tobacco generally looks good with no reports of disease or insects. As of Sunday June 28, farmers reported the tobacco crop condition as 2 percent very poor, 3 percent poor, 28 percent fair, 49 percent good and 18 percent excellent. Fifty-two percent of set tobacco was under 12 inches high, 35 percent between 12 and 24 inches, and 13 percent was over 24 inches high. SMALL GRAINS: As of June 28, Seventy-two percent of the wheat had been harvested, equal to last year, but slightly behind the five year average of 74 percent. Farmers are reporting that head scab, low test weights and yields are the main concerns for the wheat crop. OTHER CROPS AND PASTURE: Hay production throughout the state is behind, and is being cut when the fields are dry enough for farmers to get in them. Pasture conditions are rated as 1 percent very poor, 4 percent poor, 24 percent fair, 54 percent good, and 17 percent excellent. Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period June 22 to 28, 2009 Above normal temperatures and rainfall... Above normal temperatures were the rule last week, especially in western portions of the Commonwealth where heat advisories were in effect multiple days. Showers and thunderstorms rolled through the Bluegrass State towards the end of the week which resulted in the state receiving above normal rainfall for the 5th straight week. Temperatures for the period averaged 79 degrees across the state which was 5 degrees above normal. High temperatures averaged from 93 in the West to 86 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 5 degrees above normal in the West to 1 degree above normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 74 degrees in the West to 65 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 9 degrees above normal in the West to 2 degrees above normal in the East. Rainfall for the period totaled 0.99 inches statewide which was 0.09 inches above normal. Rainfall totals by climate division, West 0.31 inches, Central 0.99 inches, Bluegrass 1.74 inches and East 1.01 inches, which was respectively 0.58 inches below normal, 0.13 inches above normal, 0.86 inches above normal and 0.06 inches above normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.00 inches at Mayfield to a high of 3.28 inches at Covington. --- Kentucky Crop and Weather Report Issued 4:00 P.M., June 22, 2009 12-10 AGRICULTURAL NEWS: It has rained nearly continuously this past week throughout the Commonwealth. With all of the rain that has been received this month, almost all of the farming activities that would be going on right now are behind. If farmers where able to get into their fields this past week, the majority of the fieldwork included harvesting wheat, setting tobacco, cutting and baling hay, and planting soybeans. Topsoil moisture was rated as 2 percent short, 69 percent adequate, and 29 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated as 3 percent short, 73 percent adequate, and 24 percent surplus. There were 2.9 days, out of a possible 7 suitable for fieldwork. CORN: Despite some of the corn starting to yellow due to the rains, the corn crop throughout the State improved from last week. The emerged corn condition was rated 5 percent poor, 20 percent fair, 57 percent good, and 18 percent excellent. SOYBEANS: Soybean planting made progress and was 74 percent complete, although still behind last year’s 80 percent, and the five year average of 86 percent. Soybeans emerged was reported at 70 percent, compared with last year’s 71 percent, but also well behind the five year average of 80 percent. The emerged soybean height was 6 inches high. Soybean condition was rated as 2 percent poor, 23 percent fair, 53 percent good, and 22 percent excellent. TOBACCO: Farmers were setting tobacco when the rains permitted. As of Sunday June 21, 88 percent of burley tobacco acreage had been set, compared with 91 percent last year and the five year average of 93 percent. Dark tobacco set advanced to 91 percent complete, same as last year, but behind the five year average of 94 percent. Farmers reported the tobacco crop condition as 2 percent poor, 27 percent fair, 55 percent good and 16 percent excellent. Sixty-six percent of set tobacco was under 12 inches high, 31 percent between 12 and 24 inches, and 3 percent was over 24 inches high. SMALL GRAINS: As of June 21, 27 percent of the wheat has been harvested, behind both last year’s 33 percent and the five year average of 41 percent. Farmers are reporting that disease and excessive rains are causing low test weights and yields for the wheat crop. OTHER CROPS AND PASTURE: Hay production throughout the state is behind, and is being cut when the fields are dry enough for farmers to get in them. In some areas hay production has come to a halt due to the wet fields. As of June 21, 18 percent of the second cutting of alfalfa hay has been completed. Pasture conditions remained the same from last week with 1 percent rated as very poor, 4 percent poor, 23 percent fair, 52 percent good, and 20 percent excellent. Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period June 15 to 21, 2009 Above normal temperatures and rainfall... Abundant rainfall and warm temperatures were the story during the final week of Spring. A frontal boundary stalled out over the Ohio Valley and caused showers and thunderstorm nearly every day. The Bluegrass State was on the warm side of the frontal boundary for much of the week, which in turn caused above normal temperatures for the 6th week out of the past 9. Temperatures for the period averaged 77 degrees across the state which was 3 degrees above normal. High temperatures averaged from 87 in the West to 83 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 0 degrees from normal in the West to 0 degrees from normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 68 degrees in the West to 63 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 4 degrees above normal in the West to 0 degrees above normal in the East. Rainfall for the period totaled 1.83 inches statewide which was 0.93 inches above normal. Rainfall totals by climate division, West 1.76 inches, Central 1.78 inches, Bluegrass 1.49 inches and East 2.13 inches, which was 1.05, 0.89, 0.49 and 1.17 inches respectively above normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.13 inches at Henderson to a high of 4.76 inches at Princeton. --- Kentucky Crop and Weather Report Issued 4:00 P.M., June 15, 2009 11-10 AGRICULTURAL NEWS: Once again, rains and slightly cooler temperatures prevailed across Kentucky this past week. The rains received were 0.79 inches above normal and the temperatures across the State were 2 degrees below normal. Topsoil moisture was rated as 1 percent short, 63 percent adequate, and 36 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated as 3 percent short, 73 percent adequate, and 24 percent surplus. There were 3.7 days, out of a possible 7 suitable for fieldwork. The majority of the fieldwork this week included the planting of soybeans, setting tobacco, and beginning to harvest the wheat. CORN: As of Sunday June 14, Corn emerged was reported at 96 percent, right on target with the 97 percent from the previous year, and the 98 percent from the five year average. Emerged corn condition improved slightly from last week with 5 percent rated poor, 28 percent fair, 52 percent good, and 15 percent excellent. SOYBEANS: Soybean planting made good progress and was 67 percent complete, compared with 69 percent last year, but well behind the five year average of 79 percent. Soybeans emerged was reported at 50 percent, compared with last year’s 48 percent, but also well behind the five year average of 67 percent. The emerged soybean height was 3 inches high. Soybean condition was rated as 1 percent poor, 25 percent fair, 57 percent good, and 17 percent excellent. TOBACCO: Farmers were setting tobacco when the rains permitted. As of Sunday June 14, 84 percent of burley tobacco acreage had been set, compared with 78 percent last year and the five year average of 86 percent. Dark tobacco set advanced to 80 percent complete, ahead of last year’s 73 percent, but behind the five year average of 84 percent. Farmers reported the tobacco crop condition as 2 percent poor, 24 percent fair, 55 percent good and 19 percent excellent. Eighty-five percent of set tobacco was under 12 inches high, 14 percent between 12 and 24 inches, and 1 percent was over 24 inches high. SMALL GRAINS: As of July 14, 7 percent of the wheat has been harvested, compared to 3 percent last year, but behind the five year average of 15 percent. The winter wheat condition was reported as 2 percent very poor, 11 percent poor, 29 percent fair, 49 percent good, and 9 percent excellent. There are reports of disease in the wheat causing low test weights and yields, and heavy rains in parts of the State caused some fields to become lodged. OTHER CROPS AND PASTURE: Hay is being cut when the fields are dry enough for farmers to get in them. Many have mentioned that the hay quality and production has been hampered by the wet spring. Pasture condition improved slightly from last week with 1 percent rated as very poor, 4 percent poor, 23 percent fair, 52 percent good, and 20 percent excellent. Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period June 8 to 14, 2009 Below normal temperatures and above normal rainfall... Mild and wet conditions continued throughout the Bluegrass State as the trend in weather remained unsettled. Above normal rainfall was reported for the 10th week out of the past 12. Temperatures continued to be relatively cool for the end of Spring with below normal values being reported for the 3rd week out of the past 4. Temperatures for the period averaged 71 degrees across the state which was 2 degrees below normal. High temperatures averaged from 83 in the West to 80 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 3 degrees below normal in the West to 2 degrees below normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 62 degrees in the West to 61 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 1 degree below normal in the West to 1 degree below normal in the East. Rainfall for the period totaled 1.68 inches statewide which was 0.79 inches above normal. Rainfall totals by climate division, West 1.08 inches, Central 2.47 inches, Bluegrass 1.66 inches and East 1.51 inches, which was respectively 0.22, 1.55, 0.78 and 0.60 inches above normal. By station, rainfall totals ranged from a low of 0.01 inches at Hardinsburg to a high of 4.13 inches at Louisville. --- Kentucky Crop and Weather Report Issued 4:00 P.M., June 8, 2009 10-10 AGRICULTURAL NEWS: After a couple of warm, sunny days, rain and cool temperatures returned to the Commonwealth, which slowed planting and hay harvest. For the week, temperatures averaged 3 degrees below normal and rainfall averaged 1.15 inches, 0.26 inches above normal. Topsoil moisture was rated as 2 percent short, 72 percent adequate, and 26 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated as 4 percent short, 76 percent adequate, and 20 percent surplus. There were 4.2 days, out of a possible 7 suitable for fieldwork. Main farming activities included planting soybeans, setting tobacco, cutting and baling hay and spraying fungicide. TOBACCO: As of Sunday June 7, 72 percent of burley tobacco acreage had been set compared with 66 percent last year and the five year average of 73 percent. Dark tobacco set advanced to 57 percent complete, equal to last year but behind the five year average of 69 percent. Farmers reported the tobacco crop condition as 2 percent poor, 29 percent fair, 51 percent good and 18 percent excellent. About 95 percent of set tobacco was under 12 inches high, with 5 percent more than 12 inches high. Tobacco producers remain anxious for the fields to dry out so they can complete tobacco setting. CORN: Corn planting is beginning to wind down, and most replanting is complete. As of Sunday, June 7, 96 percent of intended acreage had been planted, compared with 98 percent a year ago and the average of 99 percent. Corn emergence was reported at 86 percent, compared with 92 percent the previous year, and 96 percent for the five year average. Emerged corn height averaged 12 inches, with the most advanced fields at 23 inches. Emerged corn condition was rated 7 percent poor, 29 percent fair, 48 percent good, and 16 percent excellent. SOYBEANS: Soybean planting made good progress and was 48 percent complete, compared with 55 percent last year, and 71 percent for the five year average. Soybeans emerged was reported at 32 percent, compared with last year’s 33 percent but well behind the five year average of 56 percent. SMALL GRAINS: Winter wheat condition was reported as 2 percent very poor, 10 percent poor, 28 percent fair, 50 percent good, and 10 percent excellent. Continued wet weather is reducing the yield potential with head scab causing the most concern. Wheat harvest should begin this week. Barley harvest is getting underway. OTHER CROPS AND PASTURE: Spring hay cutting in many areas has been hampered by wet weather which has caused yield and quality to be poor. However, some producers were able to cut and bale their hay between showers and are reporting a good crop. Pasture condition was rated as 1 percent very poor, 4 percent poor, 24 percent fair, 54 percent good, and 17 percent excellent. Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period June 1 to 7, 2009 Below normal temperature and above normal rainfall: The weather for the first full week of June 2009 was a continuation of the previous weeks...a wet weather pattern! As most weeks for this spring, above normal rainfall has been the rule...and not the exception. The week started off very warm...in the upper 80s... but by Thursday, very cool weather dominated ...with most locations not getting out of the 50s for highs. Temperatures for the period averaged 69 degrees across the state which was 3 degrees below normal and 3 degrees cooler than the previous week. High temperatures averaged from 82 in the West to 79 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 3 degrees below normal in the West to 2 degrees below normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 59 degrees in the West to 57 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 3 degrees below normal in the West to 3 degrees below normal in the East. Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 1.15 inches statewide which was 0.26 inches above normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 0.69 inches, Central 1.27 inches, Bluegrass 1.24 inches and East 1.39 inches, which was -0.16, +0.35, +0.36 and +0.48 inches respectively from normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.14 inches at Evansville to a high of 2.17 inches at Bowling Green. --- Kentucky Crop and Weather Report Issued 4:00 P.M., June 1, 2009 9-10 AGRICULTURAL NEWS: Temperatures returned to above normal levels over most of the state. Many areas experienced above normal rainfall, limiting fieldwork during the week. Total rainfall for the week was 1.66 inches, 0.6 inches above average. Topsoil moisture was rated as 2 percent short, 75 percent adequate, and 23 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated as 3 percent short, 72 percent adequate, and 25 percent surplus. Days suitable for fieldwork averaged 4.1 out of a possible seven. Producers continued to plant corn and soybeans and cut hay as conditions permitted. TOBACCO: As of Sunday May 31, 55 percent of burley tobacco acreage had been set compared with 45 percent last year and the five year average of 57 percent. Thirty-seven percent of the dark tobacco has been set, behind last year’s 41 percent and the five year average of 53 percent. Farmers reported the tobacco crop condition as 2 percent poor, 36 percent fair, 50 percent good and 12 percent excellent. CORN: Corn planting progress was limited due to weather conditions. Reported progress was 89 percent of intended acreage planted, compared with 93 percent last year, and 97 percent for the five year average. Corn emergence was reported at 73 percent, compared with 82 percent a year ago, and 92 percent for the five year average. The average emerged corn height was 8 inches, with the most advanced height at 16 inches. Average height varied considerably depending on whether the crop had been replanted. Emerged corn condition was rated 1 percent very poor, 7 percent poor, 40 percent fair, 42 percent good, and 10 percent excellent. Producers reported mostly good stands, but noted a few problems with replanted areas. SOYBEANS: Soybean planting progress was reported at 30 percent, compared with 36 percent last year, and 58 percent for the five year average. Soybeans emerged was reported at 14 percent, behind last year’s 17 percent and the five year average of 41 percent. SMALL GRAINS: Winter wheat condition was reported as 1 percent very poor, 9 percent poor, 29 percent fair, 51 percent good, and 10 percent excellent. Some farmers report that the wet weather has increased the potential for disease problems in the winter wheat crop. OTHER CROPS AND PASTURE: As of Sunday May 31, hay crop condition was rated as 6 percent poor, 29 percent fair, 47 percent good, and 18 percent excellent. Pasture condition was rated as 1 percent very poor, 5 percent poor, 27 percent fair, 49 percent good, and 18 percent excellent. Farmers were busy cutting and baling hay this past week as conditions permitted. Several reporters indicated hay quality would be hampered as the crop was very mature. Kentucky Weather Summary For the Period May 25 to May 31, 2009 Above Normal Temperatures and Above Normal Rainfall: The final week of May 2009 was mostly wet and warm. Many locations recorded rainfall on 4 to 5 days with several locations, such as Lexington, receiving rainfall everyday for the week. One to 3 inches of rainfall was common last week and heavy rainfall was reported across the state, especially east and north. Out of the previous 5 weeks, 4 weeks have had above normal rainfall for the state. Temperatures started the work week in the 80's, cooled to the 70's at mid-week, then warmed back into the 80's for the weekend. And out of the past 6 weeks, 5 weeks have experienced above normal temperatures. For the month of May, the eastern section of the state reported 3 to 5 inches above normal rainfall. Temperatures for the period averaged 72 degrees across the state which was 2 degrees above normal and 7 degrees warmer than the previous week. High temperatures averaged from 81 in the West to 79 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 3 degrees below normal in the West to near normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 64 degrees in the West to 63 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 4 degrees above normal in the West to 5 degrees above normal in the East. Rainfall for the period totaled 1.66 inches statewide which was 0.60 inches above normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 1.70 inches, Central 1.72 inches, Bluegrass 1.77 inches and East 1.45 inches, which was 0.60, 0.62, 0.75 and 0.44 inches respectively above normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.23 inches at Nashville to a high of 3.10 inches at Grayson. --- Kentucky Crop and Weather Report Issued 4:00 P.M., May 26, 2009 8-10 AGRICULTURAL NEWS: Below normal temperatures and rainfall was the trend across the Commonwealth during last week, pushing the average temperature 3 degrees below normal. Total rainfall for the week was 0.13 inches, 0.93 inches below average. Some rains over the weekend may have caused some additional flooding or delays for fieldwork. Topsoil moisture was rated as 5 percent short, 77 percent adequate, and 18 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated as 1 percent very short, 4 percent short, 71 percent adequate, and 24 percent surplus. There were 5.4 days, out of a possible 7, suitable for fieldwork. This was the first week in a month with below normal rainfall which allowed field work to show significant progress. The main farming activities for the week were planting corn and soybeans, setting tobacco, cutting and baling hay and spraying fungicide. However, soil saturation in a few areas did not permit much fieldwork. TOBACCO: As of Sunday May 24, 38 percent of burley tobacco acreage had been set compared with 27 percent last year and the five year average of 37 percent. Twenty Seven percent of the dark tobacco has been set, behind of last year’s 29 percent and the five year average of 34 percent. Farmers reported the tobacco crop condition as 2 percent poor, 18 percent fair, 63 percent good and 17 percent excellent. Tobacco producers were still anxious for the fields to dry from the rain to continue tobacco setting. CORN: Corn planting progress accelerated due to the dry weather conditions. Reported progress was 75 percent of intended acreage planted, down 7 percent from last year, and down 18 percent from the five year average. Corn emergence was reported at 50 percent, 17 percent below the previous year, and 34 percent below the five year average. The average emerged corn height was 4 inches, with the most advanced height at 11 inches. Emerged corn condition was rated 1 percent very poor, 12 percent poor, 42 percent fair, 37 percent good, and 8 percent excellent. Some fields were still in the process of being replanted. SOYBEANS: Soybean planting progress was reported at 13 percent, down 8 percent from last year, and 30 percent below the five year average. Soybeans emerged was reported at 5 percent, behind last year’s 8 percent and the five year average of 24 percent. SMALL GRAINS: Winter wheat condition was reported as 1 percent very poor, 6 percent poor, 22 percent fair, 53 percent good, and 18 percent excellent. Some lodging was reported due to the rain and wind, but overall not a major concern. Some farmers report that the wet weather has increased the disease level in the winter wheat crop. Rains and wind have prevented widespread spraying for disease; however some farmers have been applying fungicides. OTHER CROPS AND PASTURE: For the week of May 24, hay crop condition was rated as 1 percent very poor, 4 percent poor, 28 percent fair, 45 percent good, and 22 percent excellent. Pasture condition was rated as 1 percent very poor, 4 percent poor, 25 percent fair, 52 percent good, and 18 percent excellent. Farmers were busy cutting and baling hay this past week as ideal weather condition prevailed. Kentucky Weather Summary For the Period May 18 to May 24, 2009 Below Normal Temperatures and Rainfall: Much needed dry conditions and a warming trend aided Kentucky agriculture last week. For the first week in the past month, below normal rainfall allowed field activity to advance and flooded fields to recede across the Commonwealth. This was the longest period of dry weather so far this spring season. Temperatures for the period averaged 65 degrees across the state which was 3 degrees below normal and similar to the previous week. High temperatures averaged from 79 in the West to 78 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 3 degrees below normal in the West to 1 degree above normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 53 degrees in the West to 51 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 4 degrees below normal in the West to 5 degrees below normal in the East. Rainfall for the period totaled 0.13 inches statewide which was 0.93 inches below normal. Rainfall totals by climate division, West 0.38 inches, Central 0.07 inches, Bluegrass 0.04 inches and East 0.02 inches, which was respectively 0.72, 1.04, 0.98 and 0.99 inches below normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.00 inches at Bardstown to a high of 0.82 inches at Princeton. --- Kentucky Crop and Weather Report Issued 4:00 P.M., May 18, 2009 7-10 AGRICULTURAL NEWS: Above normal rainfall and temperatures prevailed across the commonwealth this past week. Temperature average, at 65 degrees, was 1 degree above normal for this point in the season. Total rainfall for the week was 1.15 inches, 0.12 inches above average. Topsoil moisture was rated as 1 percent short, 39 percent adequate, and 60 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated as 2 percent short, 53 percent adequate, and 45 percent surplus. There was 1.5 days, out of a possible 7, suitable for fieldwork. Farmers were once again contending with the wet conditions. The main farming activities for the week were planting corn and soybeans, setting tobacco, harvesting hay and spraying fungicide; however the wet weather and soil saturation did not permit much fieldwork. TOBACCO: As of Sunday May 17, 7 percent of burley tobacco acreage had been set compared with 10 percent last year and the five-year average of 19 percent. Three percent of the dark tobacco has been set, behind of last’s year’s 9 percent and the five-year average of 15 percent. Farmers reported the tobacco crop condition as 2 percent poor, 34 percent fair, 51 percent good and 13 percent excellent. Tobacco producers were anxious for the fields to dry from the rain to continue tobacco setting ROW CROPS: Corn planting progress was once again inhibited by the wet weather. Reported progress was 45 percent of intended acreage planted, down 27 percent from last year, and down 44 percent from the five year average. Corn emergence was reported at 37 percent, 15 percent below the previous year, and 36 percent below the five year average. Emerged corn condition was rated 4 percent very poor, 15 percent poor, 38 percent fair, 37 percent good, and 6 percent excellent. Some fields will need to be replanted due to standing water. Soybean planting progress was reported at 3 percent, 9 percent below last year, and 24 percent below the five year average. SMALL GRAINS: Winter wheat condition was reported as 1 percent very poor, 7 percent poor, 26 percent fair, 49 percent good, and 17 percent excellent. Some lodging was reported due to the rain. Some farmers report that the wet weather has increased the disease level in the winter wheat crop, and rains have prevented spraying for disease; however some farmers have been applying fungicides. OTHER CROPS AND PASTURE: For the week of May 17, hay crop condition was rated as 1 percent very poor, 6 percent poor, 32 percent fair, 46 percent good, and 15 percent excellent. Pasture condition was rated as 1 percent very poor, 4 percent poor, 25 percent fair, 53 percent good, and 17 percent excellent. Some farmers reported cutting their first crop of hay in the past week. Strawberry growers reported 39 percent of their berries as small, 46 percent medium, and 15 percent as large. Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period May 11 to 17, 2009 Above normal rainfall and temperatures... Wet conditions continued across the Commonwealth as above normal rainfall was reported for the 7th week out of the past 8. Consequently, the excessive rainfall further delayed field operations throughout the state. Temperatures continued to be warm with the Bluegrass State seeing above normal temperatures for the 4th straight week. Temperatures for the period averaged 65 degrees across the state which was 1 degree above normal. High temperatures averaged from 76 in the West to 74 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 4 degrees below normal in the West to 1 degree below normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 57 degrees in the West to 54 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 1 degree above normal in the West to 0 degrees from normal in the East. Rainfall for the period totaled 1.15 inches statewide which was 0.12 inches above normal. Rainfall totals by climate division, West 1.25 inches, Central 1.27 inches, Bluegrass 0.99 inches and East 1.10 inches, which was 0.16, 0.13, 0.01 and 0.14 inches respectively above normal. By station, rainfall totals ranged from a low of 0.35 inches at Mayfield to a high of 1.53 inches at Henderson. --- Kentucky Crop and Weather Report Issued 4:00 P.M., May 11, 2009 6-10 AGRICULTURAL NEWS: Above normal temperatures and rainfall prevailed across the commonwealth this past week. Temperature average, at 64 degrees, was 2 degrees above normal for this point in the season. Total rainfall for the week was 3.19 inches, 2.06 inches above average. Topsoil moisture was rated as 1 percent short, 33 percent adequate, and 66 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated as 1 percent very short, 2 percent short, 46 percent adequate, and 51 percent surplus. There was 1 day, out of a possible 7, suitable for fieldwork. Farmers were once again contending with the wet conditions. TOBACCO: As of Sunday May 10, 12 percent of tobacco plants were less than 2 inches tall, 37 percent were 2 to 4 inches tall, and 51 percent were taller than 4 inches. Only 2 percent of burley tobacco acreage had been set, 6 percent under the five year average. Producers indicate that there will be adequate plants for tobacco setting in 96 percent of the State. ROW CROPS: Corn planting progress was once again inhibited by the wet weather. Reported progress was 39 percent of intended acreage planted, down 28 percent from last year, and down 44 percent from the five year average. Corn emergence was reported at 27 percent, 10 percent below the previous year, and 34 percent below the five year average. Emerged corn condition was rated 4 percent very poor, 12 percent poor, 42 percent fair, 39 percent good, and 3 percent excellent. Some fields will need to be replanted due to standing water. Soybean planting progress was reported at 2 percent, 6 percent below last year, and 13 percent below the five year average. SMALL GRAINS: Winter wheat condition was reported as 1 percent very poor, 6 percent poor, 27 percent fair, 53 percent good, and 13 percent excellent. Winter wheat headed was 70 percent, 36 percent ahead of last year, and 6 percent above the five year average. Some lodging was reported due to the rain. OTHER CROPS AND PASTURE: For the week of May 10, hay crop condition was rated as 5 percent poor, 33 percent fair, 50 percent good, and 12 percent excellent. Pasture condition was rated as 2 percent very poor, 6 percent poor, 25 percent fair, 56 percent good, and 11 percent excellent. Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period May 4 to 10, 2009 The Commonwealth experienced yet another week of excessive rainfall as last week was the 6th week out of the past 7 with above normal rainfall. Consequently, this wet pattern has caused growers throughout the Bluegrass State to be continually delayed in field operations. In fact, several counties have reported areas of excessive flooding to the point that they are underwater. Temperatures continued on the warm trend as above normal values were reported for the 3rd straight week. Temperatures for the period averaged 64 degrees across the state which was 2 degrees above normal. High temperatures averaged from 73 in the West to 70 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 6 degrees below normal in the West to 3 degrees below normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 57 degrees in the West to 56 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 4 degrees above normal in the West to 3 degrees above normal in the East. Rainfall for the period totaled 3.19 inches statewide which was 2.06 inches from normal. Rainfall totals by climate division, West 3.01 inches, Central 3.19 inches, Bluegrass 2.71 inches and East 3.64 inches, which was 1.93, 2.01, 1.62 and 2.51 inches respectively above normal. By station, rainfall totals ranged from a low of 0.05 inches at Buckhorn Lake to a high of 6.00 inches at Jackson. --- Kentucky Crop and Weather Report Issued 4:00 P.M., May 4, 2009 5-10 AGRICULTURAL NEWS: Derby week brought the return of precipitation and increasingly milder weather. Temperature average, at 67 degrees, was 6 degrees above normal for this point in the season. Total rainfall for the week was 1.54 inches, .52 inches above average. Topsoil moisture was rated as 2 percent short, 47 percent adequate, and 51 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated as 4 percent short, 58 percent adequate, and 38 percent surplus. There were 2.5 days, out of a possible 7, suitable for fieldwork. Farmers were once again contending with the wet conditions. TOBACCO: As of Sunday May 3, 30 percent of tobacco plants were less than 2 inches tall, 39 percent were 2 to 4 inches tall, and 31 percent were taller than 4 inches. Only 1 percent of burley tobacco acreage had been set, 2 percent under the five year average. ROW CROPS: Corn planting progress was once again inhibited by the wet weather. Reported progress was 35 percent of intended acreage planted, down 16 percent from last year, and down 36 percent from the five year average. Corn emergence was reported at 12 percent, 4 percent below the previous year, and 29 percent below the five year average. Emerged corn condition was rated 5 percent poor, 28 percent fair, 59 percent good, and 8 percent excellent. Soybean planting progress was reported at 1 percent, 4 percent below last year, and 6 percent below the five year average. SMALL GRAINS: Winter wheat condition was reported as 2 percent poor, 18 percent fair, 59 percent good, and 21 percent excellent. Winter wheat headed was 27 percent, 7 percent ahead of last year, and 14 percent below the five year average. OTHER CROPS AND PASTURE: For the week of May 3, hay crop condition was rated as 1 percent very poor, 6 percent poor, 36 percent fair, 44 percent good, and 13 percent excellent. There was 99 percent of the normal nitrogen fertilizer supply available to farmers. Pasture condition was rated as 1 percent very poor, 7 percent poor, 31 percent fair, 49 percent good, and 12 percent excellent. Kentucky Weather Summary For the Period April 27 to May 03, 2009 Above Normal Temperatures and Above Normal Rainfall: Warm, dry weather conditions started off the work week with temperatures in the 80's. Wet, cool conditions returned to the Bluegrass state by mid-week as agricultural operations and most field activities were interrupted again this planting season. This was the 5th week in the past 6 weeks with above normal rainfall. Temperatures for the period averaged 67 degrees across the state which was 6 degrees above normal and 6 degrees warmer than the previous week. High temperatures averaged from 74 in the West to 75 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 2 degrees below normal in the West to 4 degrees above normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 60 degrees in the West to 59 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 9 degrees above normal in the West to 9 degrees above normal in the East. Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 1.54 inches statewide which was 0.52 inches above normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 2.52 inches, Central 1.53 inches, Bluegrass 0.93 inches and East 1.16 inches, which was +1.44, +0.48, -0.05 and +0.20 inches respectively from normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.54 inches at Quicksand to a high of 3.93 inches at Nashville. --- Kentucky Crop and Weather Report Issued 4:00 P.M., April 27, 2009 4-09 AGRICULTURAL NEWS: Wet weather at the beginning of the week gave way to clear skies and warmer temperatures. Temperature average, at 61 degrees, was 3 degrees above normal for this point in the season. Total rainfall for the week was .35 inches, .64 inches below average. Topsoil moisture was rated as 8 percent short, 70 percent adequate, and 22 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated as 1 percent very short, 8 percent short, 76 percent adequate, and 15 percent surplus. There were 3.8 days, out of a possible 7, suitable for fieldwork. Farmers were finally able to get back into their fields towards the weekend. The majority of farm activity involved fieldwork like planting, fertilizing, and tilling. TOBACCO: The vast majority of tobacco for 2009 will be grown in greenhouses and floatation systems leaving conventional beds by the wayside. Greenhouse and floatbeds represent 97 percent of tobacco planted while conventional beds represent just 3 percent. As of Sunday April 26, 52 percent of tobacco plants were less than 2 inches tall, 39 percent were 2 to 4 inches tall, and 9 percent were taller than 4 inches. CORN: Corn planting progress continued to trail the previous year and the five year average. Reported progress was 20 percent of intended acreage planted, down 8 percent from last year, and down 37 percent from the five year average. Corn emergence was reported at 2 percent, 1 percent below the previous year, and 21 percent below the five year average. Emerged corn condition was rated 3 percent poor, 29 percent fair, 64 percent good, and 4 percent excellent. As the week went on weather conditions improved allowing farmers to resume planting and presumably make up for lost time. SMALL GRAINS: Winter wheat condition was reported as 2 percent poor, 20 percent fair, 55 percent good, and 23 percent excellent. Winter wheat headed was 4 percent, 2 percent below last year, and 12 percent below the five year average. OTHER CROPS AND PASTURE: Farmers expect to get their first cut of Alfalfa around May 8th. For the week of April 26, strawberry condition was rated as 3 percent poor, 23 percent fair, 60 percent good, and 14 percent excellent. Pasture condition was rated as 2 percent very poor, 11 percent poor, 38 percent fair, 42 percent good, and 7 percent excellent. Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period April 20 to 26, 2009 Above normal temperatures and below normal rainfall... The period began with showers across the Commonwealth, but warm temperatures and optimal drying conditions during the mid and latter parts of the week allowed field operations to get underway. Temperatures were above normal for the 1st time in 4 weeks, and rainfall totals were below normal for the first time in 5 weeks. Temperatures for the period averaged 61 degrees across the state which was 3 degrees above normal and 7 degrees above the previous week. High temperatures averaged from 75 in the West to 71 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 1 degree above normal in the West to 3 degrees above normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 52 degrees in the West to 50 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 3 degrees above normal in the West to 3 degrees above normal in the East. Rainfall for the period totaled 0.35 inches statewide which was 0.64 inches below normal. Rainfall totals by climate division, West 0.31 inches, Central 0.36 inches, Bluegrass 0.42 inches and East 0.31 inches, which was 0.77, 0.64, 0.52 and 0.61 inches respectively below normal. By station, rainfall totals ranged from a low of 0.04 inches at Princeton to a high of 1.21 inches at Hardinsburg. --- Kentucky Crop and Weather Report Issued 4:00 P.M., April 20, 2009 3-09 AGRICULTURAL NEWS: Weather throughout the state continued to be wet and cool with below average temperatures for most of the week. Average temperature at 54 degrees, fell 2 degrees below normal for this point in the season. The accumulated precipitation for the week averaged 1.29 inches, .31 inches above average. Topsoil moisture was rated as 2 percent short, 49 percent adequate, and 49 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated as 1 percent very short, 7 percent short, 68 percent adequate, and 24 percent surplus. There were 2.2 days, out of a possible 7, suitable for fieldwork. Rain and cool temperatures postponed most field work. Farmers have been seeding and fertilizing tobacco as their main activities. TOBACCO: For the week ending April 19, plant bed and greenhouse seeding was 89 percent complete, 7 percent below last year, and 4 percent below the five year average. Transplant emergence reached 65 percent, 2 percent below the previous year and 6 percent below the five year average. Reported condition of transplanted tobacco was 1 percent very poor, 2 percent poor, 23 percent fair, 56 percent good and 18 percent excellent. CORN: Corn planting progress was further hindered by the continuing precipitation. Reported progress was 4 percent of intended acreage planted, down 6 percent from last year, and down 33 percent from the five year average. Many farmers are waiting for facilitating weather to begin their planting. SMALL GRAINS: Winter wheat condition was reported as 2 percent poor, 24 percent fair, 50 percent good, and 24 percent excellent. The amount of wheat winter kill was 2 percent. OTHER CROPS AND PASTURE: Early indications are that fruit is doing fine despite the cool weather. Average height of alfalfa was 10 inches. Pasture condition was rated as 3 percent very poor, 11 percent poor, 35 percent fair, 45 percent good, and 6 percent excellent. Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period April 13 to 19, 2009 ...Below normal temperatures and above normal rainfall... A moisture-rich weather system moved through the Commonwealth during the end of the period which resulted in the state receiving above normal rainfall for the 4th straight week. Temperatures were below normal for the 3rd straight week; however, freezing temperatures were not seen in the Bluegrass State during the period. Rain, wet field conditions and cool temperatures for crop development continued to interrupt the start of the planting season. Temperatures for the period averaged 54 degrees across the state which was 2 degrees below normal. High temperatures averaged from 64 in the West to 63 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 7 degrees below normal in the West to 3 degrees below normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 45 degrees in the West to 45 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 1 degree below normal in the West to 0 degrees from normal in the East. Rainfall for the period totaled 1.29 inches statewide which was 0.31 inches above normal. Rainfall totals by climate division, West 1.23 inches, Central 1.76 inches, Bluegrass 1.23 inches and East 0.95 inches, which was 0.16, 0.76, 0.29 and 0.03 inches respectively above normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.20 inches at Princeton to a high of 3.41 inches at Hardinsburg. --- Kentucky Crop and Weather Report Issued 4:00 P.M., April 13, 2009 2-09 AGRICULTURAL NEWS: Precipitation and below normal temperatures continued across the Commonwealth this past week. Temperatures averaged 46 degrees, 6 degrees below normal for this time of year. Total precipitation for the week was 1.27 inches, which was 0.49 inches above normal. Topsoil moisture was rated as 2 percent very short, 4 percent short, 46 percent adequate, and 48 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 3 percent very short, 10 percent short, 62 percent adequate, and 25 percent surplus. There were 2.3 days, out of a possible 7, suitable for fieldwork. Farmers reported the main farm activities for the week were tobacco seeding and fertilization, and continued debris clean up. The wet conditions have hampered most field work. TOBACCO: As of April 12, plant bed and greenhouse seeding was 84 percent complete, ahead of last year and the five year average of 82 percent. Emergence of transplants reached 52 percent which was slightly behind last year’s 53 percent and the five year average of 54 percent. CORN: Corn planting progress was adversely affected by the wet weather. Farmers reported 2 percent of intended acreage planted, slightly ahead of 1 percent last year which experienced very similar weather conditions, but down 19 percent from the five year average. Many producers reported they were ready to begin planting as soon as weather conditions improve. SMALL GRAINS: The average height for winter wheat was 11 inches. The condition of winter wheat was 1 percent poor, 20 percent fair, 56 percent good, and 23 percent excellent. Farmers reported only minor damage to their wheat from the week’s cold snap. OTHER CROPS AND PASTURE: According to producers, early fruit crops were in relatively good shape and seemed to be able to avoid any significant freeze damage. Fruit trees budding or in bloom was rated at 75 percent. Pasture condition was reported as 5 percent very poor, 9 percent poor, 35 percent fair, 43 percent good, and 8 percent excellent. Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period April 6 to 12, 2009 Below normal temperatures and above normal rainfall... A sharp cold snap hit the Commonwealth this past week as temperatures were below normal for the 2nd straight week. Low temperatures dropped to frost/freeze levels, including some values in the 20s, on April 6th, 7th, 8th, and 9th. The Bluegrass State also continued to receive above normal rainfall for the 3rd straight week with some locations getting over 2.5 inches of rain. Temperatures for the period averaged 46 degrees across the state which was 6 degrees below normal. High temperatures averaged from 59 in the West to 58 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 10 degrees below normal in the West to 5 degrees below normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 38 degrees in the West to 39 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 6 degrees below normal in the West to 4 degrees below normal in the East. Rainfall for the period totaled 1.27 inches statewide which was 0.49 inches from normal. Rainfall totals by climate division, West 0.93 inches, Central 1.04 inches, Bluegrass 1.61 inches and East 1.49 inches, which was 0.09, 0.22, 0.85 and 0.75 inches respectively above normal. By station, rainfall totals ranged from a low of 0.36 inches at Mayfield to a high of 2.56 inches at Bardstown. --- Kentucky Crop and Weather Report Issued 4:00 P.M., April 6, 2009 1-09 AGRICULTURAL NEWS: The first week of April was characterized by below normal temperatures and above normal rainfall. Temperatures averaged 51 degrees, which was 1 degree below normal for this time of year. Total precipitation for the week was 1.27 inches, which was 0.08 inches above normal. Topsoil moisture was rated as 1 percent very short, 3 percent short, 64 percent adequate, and 32 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 3 percent very short, 14 percent short, 62 percent adequate, and 21 percent surplus. There were 2.7 days, out of a possible 7, suitable for fieldwork. The supply of Nitrogen fertilizer available is expected to meet 97 percent of anticipated need. Planting preparation, including plowing and fertilization, was 25 percent complete. Farmers reported the main farm activities for the week were tobacco seeding and fertilization, planting preparation, clean up and repairs from the ice and wind storms that struck in late January. Many producers report that the continued clean up of their fields will delay planting and harvesting activities. TOBACCO: As of April 5, plant bed and greenhouse seeding was 68 percent complete. Seeding completion was slightly behind that of last year and the five year average. Producers are concerned by the reduction or elimination of contracts with tobacco companies. SMALL GRAINS & LEGUMES: The Commonwealth’s winter wheat crop is in mostly good condition. Winter wheat lost due to winter kill was reported at 2 percent. The condition of winter wheat was 1 percent poor, 15 percent fair, 58 percent good, and 26 percent excellent. Alfalfa stand loss was reported at 8 percent, while red clover stand loss was 9 percent. PASTURE & LIVESTOCK: Pasture condition was reported as 8 percent very poor, 10 percent poor, 35 percent fair, 40 percent good, and 7 percent excellent. Pastures were meeting 44 percent of livestock roughage requirements. Seventy-two percent of farms statewide were still providing livestock with winter feed. Farmers statewide had approximately 17 percent of their winter hay supply still on hand. Farmers reported sporadic losses of livestock caused by the ice storm in late January. Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period March 30 to April 5, 2009 Below normal temperatures and above normal rainfall... The Commonwealth continued to replenish moisture as the state received above normal rainfall for the 2nd straight week. Temperatures were slightly cooler during the period as below normal values were reported for the 1st time in 5 weeks. Temperatures did drop to frost/freeze levels on March 30. Temperatures for the period averaged 51 degrees across the state which was 1 degree below normal. High temperatures averaged from 65 in the West to 65 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 1 degree below normal in the West to 4 degrees above normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 41 degrees in the West to 40 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 1 degree below normal in the West to 1 degree above normal in the East. Rainfall for the period totaled 1.27 inches statewide which was 0.08 inches above normal. Rainfall totals by climate division, West 1.52 inches, Central 1.53 inches, Bluegrass 1.27 inches and East 0.89 inches, which was respectively 0.24 inches above normal, 0.29 inches above normal, 0.16 inches above normal and 0.24 inches below normal. By station, rainfall totals ranged from a low of 0.39 inches at Grayson to a high of 3.08 inches at Glasgow. --- Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period March 23 to 29, 2009 Above normal temperatures and rainfall... The Commonwealth had a much needed wet week with some locations receiving well over 2 inches of rainfall. With the Bluegrass State already below normal on rainfall for the year, a wet period was beneficial for Kentucky agriculture at the start of the growing season: the state has received above normal rainfall 2 out of the past 3 weeks. Temperatures remained above normal for the 4th straight week, but lows did drop to frost/freeze levels during the evening of March 29th. Temperatures for the period averaged 55 degrees across the state which was 6 degrees above normal and 5 degrees above the previous week. High temperatures averaged from 65 in the West to 63 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 1 degree above normal in the West to 5 degrees above normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 48 degrees in the West to 45 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 9 degrees above normal in the West to 7 degrees above normal in the East. Rainfall for the period totaled 1.68 inches statewide which was 0.80 inches above normal. Rainfall totals by climate division, West 1.97 inches, Central 1.67 inches, Bluegrass 1.40 inches and East 1.66 inches, which was 0.96, 0.76, 0.61 and 0.83 inches respectively above normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.46 inches at Berea to a high of 2.72 inches at Henderson. --- Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period March 16 to 22, 2009 ...Above normal temperatures and below normal rainfall... Relatively warm and dry conditions continued during the final days of Winter and the first days of Spring. The Commonwealth received below normal rainfall for the 5th week out of the past 7. Southeastern portions of the state continued to receive the majority of the Bluegrass State's total rainfall. Temperatures continued to be mild as above normal values were reported for the 3rd straight week, although low temperatures did drop down to frost/freeze levels on March 20 and 21. Temperatures for the period averaged 50 degrees across the state which was 3 degrees above normal and 5 degrees above the previous week. High temperatures averaged from 65 in the West to 61 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 3 degrees above normal in the West to 6 degrees above normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 40 degrees in the West to 38 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 4 degrees above normal in the West to 3 degrees above normal in the East. Rainfall for the period totaled 0.22 inches statewide which was 0.89 inches below normal. Rainfall totals by climate division, West 0.04 inches, Central 0.06 inches, Bluegrass 0.28 inches and East 0.43 inches, which was 1.06, 1.13, 0.79 and 0.65 inches respectively below normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.00 inches at Bowling Green to a high of 0.65 inches at Williamstown. --- Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period March 9 to 15, 2009 ...Above normal rainfall and temperatures... Multiple weather systems impacted the Commonwealth during the past week bringing showers and a few thunderstorms. Some locations in the southeastern portion of the state received over two and a half inches of rain while northern portions of the Bluegrass State received under a quarter of an inch. Temperatures during the period remained mild with above normal values being reported for the 2nd straight week. Temperatures for the period averaged 45 degrees across the state which was 1 degree above normal and 2 degrees below the previous week. High temperatures averaged from 57 in the West to 55 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 2 degrees below normal in the West to 3 degrees above normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 39 degrees in the West to 40 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 5 degrees above normal in the West to 8 degrees above normal in the East. Rainfall for the period totaled 1.40 inches statewide which was 0.48 inches above normal. Rainfall totals by climate division, West 1.21 inches, Central 1.61 inches, Bluegrass 0.88 inches and East 1.75 inches, which was 0.30, 0.63, 0.00 and 0.84 inches respectively above normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.24 inches at Covington to a high of 2.73 inches at Cumberland Gap. --- Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period March 2 to 8, 2009 Below normal rainfall and above normal temperatures... Last week was very dry for the majority of the Commonwealth with many locations receiving zero rainfall. This led to a continuation of the dry trend with 4 of the past 5 weeks receiving below normal rainfall. Temperatures during the period were above normal as southerly winds ushered in a warm, humid airmass for much of the period. During the latter part of the week,temperatures rose as high as 80 degrees in some locations. Temperatures for the period averaged 47 degrees across the state which was 5 degrees above normal and 9 degrees above the previous week. High temperatures averaged from 59 in the West to 56 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 2 degrees above normal in the West to 6 degrees above normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 40 degrees in the West to 34 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 8 degrees above normal in the West to 4 degrees above normal in the East. Rainfall for the period totaled 0.08 inches statewide which was 0.95 inches below normal. Rainfall totals by climate division, West 0.18 inches, Central 0.00 inches, Bluegrass 0.00 inches and East 0.06 inches, which was 0.94, 1.19, 1.00 and 1.00 inches respectively below normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.00 inches at Bardstown to a high of 0.70 inches at Paducah. --- Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period February 23 to March 01, 2009 Below Normal Temperatures and Slightly Above Normal Precipitation: Another winter storm produced rain, sleet and light snow across the Bluegrass state last week with central, Bluegrass and eastern areas receiving the greater amounts of rainfall...and southern KY receiving most of the snow. This storm did not have the impact of the ice storm several weeks ago. Temperatures averaged below normal but reached into the 50s and 60s on Wednesday and Thursday. The workweek started out with low temperatures in the teens on Monday and Tuesday. Temperatures for the period averaged 39 degrees across the state which was 3 degrees below normal and 5 degrees warmer than the previous week. High temperatures averaged from 47 in the West to 47 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 7 degrees below normal in the West to near normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 32 degrees in the West to 31 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 2 degrees above normal in the West to 3 degrees above normal in the East. Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 1.07 inches statewide which was 0.12 inches above normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 0.97 inches, Central 1.30 inches, Bluegrass 0.95 inches and East 1.05 inches, which was -0.13, +0.26, +0.05 and +0.26 inches respectively from normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.23 inches at Buckhorn Lake to a high of 1.71 inches at Nashville. --- Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period February 16 to 22, 2009 Two weather systems tracked through the Ohio Valley last week, the first providing another bout of severe weather, and the second bringing some snow to the Commonwealth. Even though the state was impacted by multiple weather systems, below normal rainfall was reported for the 3rd straight week. Temperatures reverted back to a cold trend as below normal values were reported for the 5th week out of the past 6. Temperatures for the period averaged 34 degrees across the state which was 7 degrees below normal and 15 degrees below the previous week. High temperatures averaged from 45 in the West to 45 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 7 degrees below normal in the West to 1 degree below normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 27 degrees in the West to 25 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 1 degree below normal in the West to 2 degrees below normal in the East. Rainfall for the period totaled 0.80 inches statewide which was 0.09 inches below normal. Rainfall totals by climate division, West 0.69 inches, Central 1.08 inches, Bluegrass 0.61 inches and East 0.83 inches, which was respectively 0.24 inches below normal, 0.10 inches above normal, 0.22 inches below normal and 0.01 inches above normal. By station, rainfall totals ranged from a low of 0.16 inches at Grayson to a high of 1.64 inches at Glasgow. --- Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period February 9 to 15, 2009 Two weather systems moved through the Commonwealth during the beginning of the period, the second of which caused a squall line with wind gusts topping 70 mph in some locations. Despite having two weather systems pass through the Ohio Valley, rainfall was still below normal for the 4th time in 5 weeks. Temperatures warmed up during the period as above normal values were recorded for the 1st time in 5 weeks. Temperatures for the period averaged 49 degrees across the state which was 14 degrees above normal. High temperatures averaged from 56 in the West to 58 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 7 degrees above normal in the West to 14 degrees above normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 40 degrees in the West to 40 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 13 degrees a15 degrees above normal in the East. Rainfall for the period totaled 0.88 inches statewide which was 0.23 inches below normal. Rainfall totals by climate division, West 1.52 inches, Central 0.81 inches, Bluegrass 0.91 inches and East 0.43 inches, which was respectively 0.26 inches above normal, 0.43 inches below normal, 0.06 inches below normal and 0.56 inches below normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.02 inches at Cumberland Gap to a high of 1.61 inches at Paducah. --- Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period February 2 to 8, 2009 Below normal temperatures and rainfall... The Commonwealth experienced a fairly tame week weather-wise while attemping to recover from the winter storm that hit the state 2 weeks ago. Temperatures warmed significantly towards the end of the period, but the beginning of the week continued the cold trend as the Bluegrass State saw below normal temperatures for the 4th straight week. Temperatures for the period averaged 29 degrees across the state which was 4 degrees below normal. High temperatures averaged from 44 in the West to 43 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 3 degrees below normal in the West to 1 degree above normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 27 degrees in the West to 25 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 2 degrees above normal in the West to 2 degrees above normal in the East. Rainfall for the period totaled 0.20 inches statewide which was 0.63 inches below normal. Rainfall totals by climate division, West 0.02 inches, Central 0.11 inches, Bluegrass 0.20 inches and East 0.42 inches, which was 0.76, 0.79, 0.59 and 0.46 inches respectively below normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.00 inches at Cape Girardeau to a high of 1.00 inches at Evansville. --- Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period January 26 to February 1, 2009 Last week, the Commonwealth was hit by a winter storm that blanketed the state with a mixture of freezing rain, snow and sleet. The combination of wintry precipitation led to above normal rainfall totals for the first time in 3 weeks. Temperatures remained cold in the Bluegrass State as below normal values were reported for the 3rd straight week. Temperatures for the period averaged 28 degrees across the state which was 5 degrees below normal. High temperatures averaged from 35 in the West to 36 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 11 degrees below normal in the West to 4 degrees below normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 22 degrees in the West to 23 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 2 degrees below normal in the West to 1 degree above normal in the East. Rainfall for the period totaled 2.81 inches statewide which was 2.09 inches above normal. Rainfall totals by climate division, West 3.12 inches, Central 3.64 inches, Bluegrass 2.54 inches and East 2.17 inches, which was 2.35, 2.86, 1.85 and 1.51 inches respectively above normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.25 inches at Cape Girardeau to a high of 4.69 inches at Glasgow. --- Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period January 19 to 25, 2009 Below normal temperatures and rainfall... The dry trend present thus far in 2009 continued last week as the Commonwealth received below normal rainfall for the 3rd time in 4 weeks. Below normal temperatures were felt across the Bluegrass State for the 2nd straight week. Temperatures for the period averaged 29 degrees across the state which was 5 degrees below normal. High temperatures averaged from 39 in the West to 37 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 5 degrees below normal in the West to 2 degrees below normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 21 degrees in the West to 20 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 3 degrees below normal in the West to 2 degrees below normal in the East. Rainfall for the period totaled 0.07 inches statewide which was 0.85 inches below normal. Rainfall totals by climate division, West 0.02 inches, Central 0.07 inches, Bluegrass 0.07 inches and East 0.10 inches, which was 0.97, 0.91, 0.74 and 0.79 inches respectively below normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.00 inches at Bowling Green to a high of 0.13 inches at Bardstown. --- Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period January 12 to 18, 2009 Below normal Temperatures and Rainfall: Some of the coldest temperatures of the past few winters invaded the Bluegrass state last week as arctic air moved south into the Ohio Valley. Flurries were frequent but total rainfall was limited. Temperatures for the period averaged 24 degrees across the state which was 7 degrees below normal and 12 degrees colder than the previous week. High temperatures averaged from 36 in the West to 32 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 7 degrees below normal in the West to 7 degrees below normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 16 degrees in the West to 16 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 8 degrees below normal in the West to 6 degrees below normal in the East. Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 0.03 inches statewide which was 0.69 inches below normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 0.00 inches, Central 0.01 inches, Bluegrass 0.07 inches and East 0.03 inches, which was 0.72, 0.76, 0.55 and 0.74 inches respectively below normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.00 inches at Bardstown to a high of 0.14 inches at Bristol. --- Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period January 5 to 11, 2009 Above normal temperatures and rainfall... Exceptionally wet conditions continued as the Commonwealth received above normal rainfall for the 4th week out of the past 5. After temperatures were consistantly below average toward the end of autumn, the Bluegrass State has seen a recent warming trend. Temperatures have now been above average for 4 straight weeks. Temperatures for the period averaged 36 degrees across the state which was 4 degrees above normal. High temperatures averaged from 41 in the West to 42 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 0 degrees from normal in the West to 3 degrees above normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 27 degrees in the West to 30 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 3 degrees above normal in the West to 7 degrees above normal in the East. Rainfall for the period totaled 1.97 inches statewide which was 0.99 inches above normal. Rainfall totals by climate division, West 1.10 inches, Central 1.76 inches, Bluegrass 1.61 inches and East 3.01 inches, which was 0.22, 0.66, 0.70 and 2.03 inches respectively above normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.15 inches at Cape Girardeau to a high of 4.05 inches at Bristol. --- Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period December 29, 2008 to Jan 4, 2009 ...Above normal temperatures and below normal rainfall... Temperatures for the period averaged 37 degrees across the state which was 1 degree above normal. High temperatures averaged from 51 in the West to 50 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 9 degrees above normal in the West to 11 degrees above normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 30 degrees in the West to 31 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 3 degrees above normal in the West to 8 degrees above normal in the East. Rainfall for the period totaled 0.27 inches statewide which was 0.67 inches below normal. Rainfall totals by climate division, West 0.06 inches, Central 0.11 inches, Bluegrass 0.46 inches and East 0.42 inches, which was 0.91, 0.89, 0.46 and 0.46 inches respectively below normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.00 inches at Henderson to a high of 1.49 inches at Dix Dam.

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