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Kentucky harvest progress slowed by Hurricane Helene

Harvest activity has slowed following Hurricane Helene’s heavy rains and high winds that hit parts of Kentucky. But, many farmers were able to make significant harvest progress ahead of last week’s storm. 

Corn is 56 percent harvested and 91 percent mature.  Soybeans are 28 percent harvested, 66 percent dropping leaves, and 85 percent coloring.  Fifty-three percent of the crop is rated good to excellent.  Tobacco is 91 percent cut, and 45 percent of the housed tobacco is rated good to excellent.

Five percent of the winter wheat crop has been planted. 

While pastures will benefit from last week’s rain, the wind damaged many crops, like corn, and yield losses still need to be assessed. 

Hay supplies are 69 percent adequate and 6 percent surplus.  The rains could also add to the possibility of a late cutting of hay.

Topsoil moisture is 78 percent adequate to surplus, and subsoil moisture is 69 percent adequate to surplus.