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Rain, snow lower Kentucky drought concerns

Drought concerns in Kentucky eased a little over the past month.

The USDA says statewide precipitation topped five and a half inches, more than 2 inches above usual levels, the first month of better than normal precipitation since last fall.

That did include heavy snowfall, including 4 to 6 inches of snow in parts of south-central Kentucky, and bitterly cold conditions, which led to increased hay feeding, further stressing already tight supplies, with 44% of the state short to very short.

Livestock did generally remain in good condition.

85% of Kentucky’s winter wheat crop is called good to excellent, up 11% on the month and 19% on the year.

Tobacco stripping is nearly complete.

The USDA’s weekly crop progress and condition reports resume in April.