News

Planting remains slow in Kentucky

Last week was cool and wet for most of Kentucky.

The USDA says farmers did plant corn, soybeans, and tobacco when they had a break in the rain, but the persistent delays during much of May have pushed most of the state behind schedule.

That rain has helped pasture conditions improve, but that has also led to some mud and livestock traffic damage in some areas and delayed the first hay cutting.

79% of Kentucky’s corn crop is planted and 66% has emerged, both behind the respective five-year averages, with 69% of the crop called good to excellent.

63% of soybeans are planted and 49% has emerged, near normal.

65% of winter wheat is coloring and 81% of the crop is in good to excellent shape.

36% of tobacco has set and 72% of the crop is in good to excellent shape.

47% of the first cutting is complete and 75% of pastures and rangelands are rated good to excellent.