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 2003. 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. --- Kentucky Climate Summary: For the Period December 22 to 28, 2003 Above Normal Temperatures and Below Normal Rainfall Temperatures for the period averaged 39 degrees across the state which was 6 degrees above normal and 4 degrees warmer than the previous week. High temperatures averaged from 50 in the West to 47 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 6 degrees above normal in the West to 6 degrees above normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 32 degrees in the West to 29 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 4 degrees above normal in the West to 8 degrees above normal in the East. Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 0.56 inches statewide which was 0.40 inches below normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 0.48 inches, Central 0.56 inches, Bluegrass 0.61 inches and East 0.57 inches, which was 0.52, 0.47, 0.25 and 0.35 inches respectively below normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.00 inches at Hardinsburg to a high of 0.94 inches at Louisville. --- Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period December 15 to 21, 2003 Near Normal Temperatures and Below Normal Precipitation There was more snow across Kentucky this week. Skies were generally overcast during the week as storm systems crossed the area on Tuesday night and Thursday. Skies cleared for the weekend, bringing the lowest temperatures of the season on Saturday and Sunday morning. However, high temperatures on Sunday were above normal due to southerly flow ahead of another storm system. This is the fourth consecutive week where temperatures have averaged within one degree from normal. This is the third consecutive week of below normal precipitation. Temperatures for the period averaged 35 degrees across the state which was 0 degrees from normal and 2 degrees cooler than the previous week. High temperatures averaged from 43 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 below normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 28 degrees in the West to 29 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 1 degree below normal in the West to 6 degrees above normal in the East. Extreme highs were in the lower 60's. Extreme lows were in the middle 10's. Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 0.50 inches statewide which was 0.45 inches below normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 0.15 inches, Central 0.42 inches, Bluegrass 0.75 inches and East 0.69 inches, which was 0.85, 0.61, 0.11 and 0.23 inches respectively below normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.20 inches at Paducah to a high of 1.06 inches at Quicksand. --- Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period December 8 to 14, 2003 Near Normal Temperatures and Below Normal Precipitation The week began under high pressure with southerly winds, allowing for temperatures to be above normal as highs reached the 50's and 60's. A front moved through on Wednesday bringing rain across the state. Temperatures cooled off significantly behind the front as temperatures stayed in the 20's and 30's through Sunday. The first significant winter storm over the weekend brought rain, freezing rain, sleet, and snow. After the storm passed, 1-3 inches of snow was recorded across Central, Bluegrass, and Eastern Kentucky. This is the third consecutive week that temperatures have been near normal. This is the second consecutive week that precipitation has been below normal. Temperatures for the period averaged 37 degrees across the state which was 0 degrees from normal and 2 degrees cooler than the previous week. High temperatures averaged from 43 in the West to 44 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 32 degrees in the West to 31 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 1 degree above normal in the West to 6 degrees above normal in the East. Extreme highs were in the lower 60's. Extreme lows were in the upper 10's. Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 0.85 inches statewide which was 0.10 inches below normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 0.26 inches, Central 1.15 inches, Bluegrass 0.93 inches and East 1.05 inches, which was -0.75, +0.12, +0.08 and +0.13 inches respectively from normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.10 inches at Mayfield to a high of 1.50 inches at Bardstown. --- Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period December 1 to 7, 2003 Near Normal Temperatures and Below Normal Precipitation High pressure dominated Kentucky at the beginning of the week, which allowed for temperatures to remain below normal. A cold front moved across the state on Wednesday, but rain and clouds lingered until Friday. Some light snow was observed but there was no accumulation. The week ended with mostly clear skies and near normal temperatures. Precipitation totals were below average for the first time in four weeks. This is the second consecutive week that temperatures have averaged one degree below normal. Temperatures for the period averaged 39 degrees across the state which was 1 degree below normal and 2 degrees cooler than the previous week. High temperatures averaged from 47 in the West to 44 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 5 degrees below normal in the West to 5 degrees below normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 34 degrees in the West to 32 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 1 degree above normal in the West to 5 degrees above normal in the East. Extreme highs were in the middle 50's, and extreme lows were in the upper 10's. Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 0.47 inches statewide which was 0.48 inches below normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 0.27 inches, Central 0.54 inches, Bluegrass 0.50 inches and East 0.57 inches, which was 0.73, 0.49, 0.36 and 0.35 inches respectively below normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.17 inches at Mayfield to a high of 0.90 inches at Jackson. --- Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period November 24 to 30, 2003 Near Normal Temperatures and Above Normal Precipitation The week started off cool as a cold front had just crossed the state leaving rain showers in the east for Monday. Conditions were dry Tuesday and Wednesday, but cold as highs were 5 to 10 degrees below normal. Another front came on Thanksgiving and Friday bringing significant rainfall and some snow showers. The weekend was dry, and a little bit warmer as highs were in the middle and upper 50's by Sunday. This week breaks a five week run of above average temperatures. This is the third straight week where precipitation totals have been above average. Temperatures for the period averaged 41 degrees across the state which was 1 degree below normal and 17 degrees cooler than the previous week. High temperatures averaged from 49 in the West to 49 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 6 degrees below normal in the West to 2 degrees below normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 33 degrees in the West to 33 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 1 degree below normal in the West to 3 degrees above normal in the East. Extreme highs were in the middle 60's, and extreme lows were in the lower 20's. Precipitation for the period totaled 1.70 inches statewide which was 0.78 inches above normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 1.91 inches, Central 1.87 inches, Bluegrass 1.77 inches and East 1.22 inches, which was 0.91, 0.91, 0.95 and 0.34 inches respectively above normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 1.03 inches at Cumberland Gap to a high of 2.56 inches at Paducah. --- Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period November 17 to 23, 2003 Above Normal Temperatures and Above Normal Precipitation The week began warm, but rainy. A front moved across Kentucky on Tuesday and Wednesday bringing heavy rains and causing some flooding in eastern counties. Conditions dried out as high pressure moved into the area early Thursday. Skies remained mostly sunny with highs at near record levels in the upper 60's and lower 70's through Sunday. Late Sunday a front moved into the western part of the state bringing rain, wind, and much colder temperatures. Average temperatures have been above normal for 5 consecutive weeks, and this week's 13 degrees above normal is the greatest departure all year. Temperatures for the period averaged 58 degrees across the state which was 13 degrees above normal and 8 degrees warmer than the previous week. High temperatures averaged from 67 in the West to 67 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 10 degrees above normal in the West to 13 degrees above normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 49 degrees in the West to 46 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 13 degrees above normal in the West to 14 degrees above normal in the East. Extreme highs were in the middle 70's. Extreme lows were in the low 30's. Rainfall for the period totaled 1.25 inches statewide which was 0.33 inches above normal. Rainfall totals by climate division, West 1.32 inches, Central 1.14 inches, Bluegrass 1.00 inch and East 1.54 inches, which was 0.33, 0.17, 0.17 and 0.66 inches respectively above normal. By station, rainfall totals ranged from a low of 0.46 inches at Somerset to a high of 1.85 inches at Grayson. --- Kentucky Crop Weather Issued 4:00 P.M., November 17, 2003 JAO 33-03 AGRICULTURAL NEWS: Scattered rain, heavy at times, together with windy conditions and cooler temperatures prevailed throughout the State last week. Farmers have mainly been taking down and stripping tobacco as well as harvesting corn and soybeans as grain moisture levels permit. Farmers are also continuing to sow their winter wheat, work their land for next year’s plantings, and working cattle. Topsoil moisture as of Friday, November 14 was 1 percent short, 65 percent adequate, and 34 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was 1 percent very short, 3 percent short, 78 percent adequate, and 18 percent surplus. Days suitable for field work averaged 3.6 out of a possible 7 days. TOBACCO: As of Sunday, November 16, burley tobacco crop was 52 percent stripped. This compared to 60 percent last year and 51 percent for the five-year average. Favorable humidity from recent rains has enabled tobacco stripping to continue. With a good production year, most tobacco growers feel they will make their production quota. Farmers have reported that stripped tobacco is tending to weigh a little lighter than expected. Quality and color has been reported as good. Burley tobacco yield was last estimated as of October 1 at 2,100 pounds. This estimate was carried over for November 1. Condition of the stripped tobacco was reported as 1 percent very poor, 5 percent short, 22 percent fair, 52 percent good, and 20 percent excellent. CORN: Corn harvest was virtually complete with 99 percent of the crop harvested on November 16 th . This compared to 100 percent for last year and the five-year average. Corn yield as of November 1 was 140 bushels per acre, up 36 bushels from the drought reduced 2002 crop and the second largest yield on record. The estimated yield was released on November 12 th . The record yield of 142 bushels occurred in 2001. Farmers have reported their 2003 crop had good to excellent yields with good quality. SOYBEANS: As of Sunday, November 16, soybean harvest was 90 percent complete compared to 80 percent last year at this time and 93 percent for the five-year average. Yields have been good to excellent with excellent quality. The soybean yield as of November 1 was 43 bushels per acre. This was a record high. The previous record was established in 2001. OTHER CROPS: Winter wheat seeding was 96 percent complete as of November 16. This compared to last year’s 80 percent and the five-year average of 93 percent. The emerged crop was 1 percent very poor, 1 percent poor, 15 percent fair, 55 percent good, and 28 percent excellent. Good soil moisture and fair temperatures this fall have resulted in good germination and plant growth. Pastures this fall have supported good livestock grazing. Condition of pastures were rated as 1 percent very poor, 5 percent poor, 22 percent fair, 57 percent good, and 15 percent excellent. Kentucky farmers were still reporting their livestock in good to excellent condition. Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period November 10 to 16, 2003 Above Normal Temperatures and Above Normal Precipitation The week started off on the cool side with the last freeze warnings of the season being issued for Monday night. High temperatures were in the upper 60's on Tuesday and Wednesday ahead of a strong low pressure system. However, conditions were wet as many locales received well over an inch of rain causing flood warnings to be issued for eastern counties. Highs winds were a problem on Thursday as gusts approached 40 mph. Temperatures also cooled down significantly into the middle 20's Friday morning. More rain had entered the state by Friday night and cloudy wet weather lingered through the weekend. The rainy weather allowed the rainfall to be well above normal for the first time in the past seven weeks. Temperatures remained above normal for the 4th consecutive week. Temperatures for the period averaged 50 degrees across the state which was 2 degrees above normal. High temperatures averaged from 58 in the West to 56 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 3 degrees below normal in the West to 0 degrees from normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 44 degrees in the West to 42 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 5 degrees above normal in the West to 7 degrees above normal in the East. Extreme highs were in the middle 70's, and extreme lows were in the middle 20's. Rainfall for the period totaled 1.61 inches statewide which was 0.69 inches above normal. Rainfall totals by climate division, West 1.20 inches, Central 1.90 inches, Bluegrass 1.76 inches and East 1.56 inches, which was 0.21, 0.94, 0.94 and 0.68 inches respectively above normal. By station, rainfall totals ranged from a low of 0.70 inches at Mayfield to a high of 2.72 inches at Hardinsburg. --- Kentucky Crop Weather Issued 4:00 P.M., November 10, 2003 JAO 33-03 AGRICULTURAL NEWS: The week started off favorably for harvesting with relatively warm temperatures, but ended cold after mid-week rain. Temperatures for the period averaged 53 degrees across the State which was 3 degrees above normal. Precipitation averaged 0.83 inches for the week which was 0.08 inches below normal. Major farm activities for the week were tobacco stripping, fall tillage work, winter wheat planting, and completing corn and soybean harvest. Topsoil moisture as of Friday, November 7, was rated 6 percent short, 75 percent adequate, and 19 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 1 percent very short, 5 percent short, 85 percent adequate, and 9 percent surplus. Days suitable for fieldwork averaged 4.3 out of a possible seven. TOBACCO: As of Sunday, November 9, burley tobacco was 36 percent stripped. This compared with 47 percent last year and a five-year average of 40 percent. Moist conditions enabled tobacco stripping to continue throughout the week with producers reporting good to excellent quality and weight. Most producers feel that they will make their quota. As of Friday, November 7, the quality of stripped tobacco condition was reported as 5 percent poor, 32 percent fair, 47 percent good, and 16 percent excellent. CORN: Corn harvest was virtually complete throughout the State as of Sunday, November 9. Overall, 97 percent of the corn crop had been harvested, compared to 99 percent the previous year, and 95 percent for the five-year average. Many producers have reported excellent yields ranging from 130 to 150 bushels. SOYBEANS: As of Sunday, November 9, soybean harvest had reached 85 percent complete. This compared to 69 percent last season, and the five-year average of 87 percent. Farmers are reporting good to excellent yields ranging from 30 to 60 bushels. Double crop beans have also been reported in good condition. OTHER CROPS: Winter wheat seeding was 91 percent complete as of Sunday, November 9. This compared to 67 percent for 2002 and the five-year average of 86 percent. Farmers are reporting excellent germination and growth due to the warm temperatures and adequate soil moisture. Fall seeded wheat condition was rated at 2 percent poor, 13 percent fair, 59 percent good, and 26 percent excellent. Pasture condition was rated as 1 percent very poor, 4 percent poor, 22 percent fair, 57 percent good, and 16 percent excellent. Farmers have reported adequate hay and water supplies for the winter. Kentucky farmers also report the State’s livestock were in good to excellent condition. Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period November 3 to 9, 2003 Above Normal Temperatures and Near Normal Precipitation The past week opened with early summer like weather as highs were in the upper 70's and lower 80's on Monday and Tuesday. Record highs were set across the state. A cold front moved across the state on Wednesday and Thursday bringing rain and much colder temperatures. High pressure dominated Kentucky by the end of the week, where highs and lows were about 10 degrees below normal. Lows on Friday and Saturday night were near or below 32 degrees allowing for a freeze and widespread frost. Temperatures for the period averaged 53 degrees across the state which was 3 degrees above normal. High temperatures averaged from 60 in the West to 64 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 3 degrees below normal in the West to 5 degrees above normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 43 degrees in the West to 47 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 1 degree above normal in the West to 9 degrees above normal in the East. Extreme highs were in the lower 80's, and extreme lows were in the upper 20's. Rainfall for the period totaled 0.83 inches statewide which was 0.08 inches below normal. Rainfall totals by climate division, West 0.33 inches, Central 0.74 inches, Bluegrass 0.67 inches and East 1.59 inches, which was -0.67, -0.23, -0.16 and +0.71 inches respectively from normal. By station, rainfall totals ranged from a low of 0.15 inches at Mayfield to a high of 1.69 inches at Grayson and Buckhorn Lake. --- Kentucky Crop Weather Issued 4:00 P.M., November 3, 2003 JAO 32-03 AGRICULTURAL NEWS: The week started off cold and windy but ended favorably with relatively warm temperatures. Temperatures for the period averaged 58 degrees across the State which was 6 degrees above normal. Precipitation averaged 0.38 inches for the week which was 0.35 inches below normal. Major farm activities for the week were tobacco stripping, fall tillage work, sowing winter wheat, and completing corn and soybean harvest. Topsoil moisture as of Friday, October 31 was rated 1 percent very short, 8 percent short, 80 percent adequate, and 11 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 1 percent very short, 8 percent short, 85 percent adequate, and 6 percent surplus. Days suitable for fieldwork averaged 4.9 out of a possible seven. TOBACCO: As of Sunday, November 2, burley tobacco was 29 percent stripped. This compared with 39 percent last year and a five-year average of 31 percent. Tobacco stripping continued throughout the week with producers reporting good to excellent quality and weight. Producers also are reporting good color in early cut tobacco. As of Friday, October 31, the quality of stripped tobacco condition was reported as 4 percent poor, 27 percent fair, 54 percent good, and 14 percent excellent. CORN: Corn harvest had reached 95 percent complete as of Sunday, November 2. This compared to 96 percent the previous year, and 97 percent for the five-year average. Many producers have reported excellent yields ranging from 130 to 150 bushels. SOYBEANS: As of Sunday, November 2, soybean harvest had reached 68 percent complete. This compared to 60 percent last season, and the five-year average of 79 percent. Farmers are reporting good to excellent yields with little frost damage to late maturing soybeans. Double crop beans have also been reported in good condition. OTHER CROPS: Winter wheat seeding was 80 percent complete as of Sunday, November 2. This compared to 60 percent for 2002 and the five-year average of 77 percent. Farmers are reporting excellent germination and growth due to the warm temperatures and adequate soil moisture. Fall seeded wheat condition was rated at 1 percent poor, 20 percent fair, 58 percent good, and 21 percent excellent. Pasture condition was rated as 1 percent very poor, 4 percent poor, 22 percent fair, 61 percent good, and 12 percent excellent. Farmers have reported adequate hay and water supplies for the winter. Kentucky farmers also report the State’s livestock were in good to excellent condition. Kentucky Weather Summary: For the Period October 27, 2003 to November 2, 2003 Above Normal Temperatures and Below Normal Precipitation The week began with temperatures below average. After showers moved through on Tuesday, a large area of high pressure formed over the southeast part of the country. Winds were gusty on Wednesday and Thursday, but they brought warm air from the south. This set up kept showers to the north, which allowed mostly sunny skies and near-record high temperatures to dominate Kentucky through the remainder of the week. Temperatures for the period averaged 58 degrees across the state which was 6 degrees above normal. High temperatures averaged from 69 in the West to 69 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 3 degrees above normal in the West to 7 degrees above normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 48 degrees in the West to 46 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 5 degrees above normal in the West to 6 degrees above normal in the East. Extreme highs were in the lower 80's, and extreme lows were in the lower 30's. Rainfall for the period totaled 0.38 inches statewide which was 0.35 inches below normal. Rainfall totals by climate division: West 0.09 inches, Central 0.17 inches, Bluegrass 0.48 inches and East 0.79 inches, which was -0.69, -0.58, -0.20 and +0.05 inches respectively from normal. By station, rainfall totals ranged from a low of 0.00 inches at Mayfield to a high of 1.21 inches at Quicksand. --- Kentucky Crop Weather Issued 4:00 P.M., October 27, 2003 JAO 31-03 AGRICULTURAL NEWS: The week started off favorably for harvesting with relatively mild temperatures, but ended cold after some weekend rain. Temperatures for the period averaged 59 degrees across the State which was 4 above normal. Precipitation averaged 0.68 inches for the week which was 0.02 inches above normal. Major farm activities last week included stripping tobacco, fall tillage, sowing winter wheat, and harvesting corn and soybeans. Topsoil moisture as of Friday, October 24, was rated 1 percent very short, 10 percent short, 84 percent adequate, and 5 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 3 percent very short, 10 percent short, 81 percent adequate, and 6 percent surplus. Days suitable for fieldwork averaged 6 out of a possible seven. TOBACCO: As of Sunday, October 26, burley tobacco was 20 percent stripped. This compared with 26 percent last year and a five-year average of 23 percent. Tobacco stripping continued throughout the week with producers reporting good to excellent quality and weight. Farmers also continue to monitor the condition of hanging tobacco which seems to be curing well and has shown little sign of houseburn. As of Friday, October 24, the quality of stripped tobacco condition was reported as 3 percent poor, 26 percent fair, 54 percent good, and 17 percent excellent. CORN: Corn harvest had reached 89 percent complete as of Sunday, October 26. This compared to 92 percent the previous year, and 94 percent for the five-year average. As harvest comes to a close, farmers are reporting good corn crop quality and high yields. SOYBEANS: As of Sunday, October 26, soybean harvest had reached 60 percent complete. This compared to 55 percent last season, and the five-year average of 68 percent. Farmers are reporting better than expected yields with little frost damage to late maturing soybeans. OTHER CROPS: Winter wheat seeding was 65 percent complete as of Sunday, October 26. This compared to 54 percent for 2002 and the five-year average of 64 percent. The crop was rated at 2 percent poor, 14 percent fair, 75 percent good, and 9 percent excellent.Pasture condition was rated as 2 percent very poor, 4 percent poor, 21 percent fair, 60 percent good, and 13 percent excellent. About 95 percent of farmers expect local hay supplies to be adequate for the winter. Kentucky farmers also report the State’s livestock being in good to excellent condition. Kentucky Weather Summary: For the Period October 20 to 26, 2003 Above Normal Temperatures and Near Normal Precipitation Temperatures were above normal this past week because of highs well into the 70's and some low 80's at the beginning of the week. Temperatures cooled off in the middle of the week, allowing for scattered frost Thursday overnight, before a slight warm-up on Saturday. Most of the week was dry. The majority of the rain came late Saturday and Sunday as a front moved across the state. Temperatures for the period averaged 59 degrees across the state which was 4 degrees above normal. High temperatures averaged from 72 in the West to 71 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 49 degrees in the West to 48 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 3 degrees above normal in the West to 5 degrees above normal in the East. Extreme high temperatures were in the lower 80's. Extreme low temperatures were in the low 30's. Rainfall for the period totaled 0.68 inches statewide which was 0.02 inches above normal. Rainfall totals by climate division, West 0.69 inches, Central 0.96 inches, Bluegrass 0.71 inches and East 0.38 inches, which was 0.00, +0.30, +0.08 and -0.30 inches respectively from normal. By station, rainfall totals ranged from a low of 0.05 inches at Mayfield to a high of 1.76 inches at Princeton. --- Kentucky Crop Weather Issued 4:00 P.M., October 20, 2003 JOC 29-03 AGRICULTURAL NEWS: Despite two rain events, fall harvest continued to progress with favorable weather conditions across the State. Temperatures for the week averaged 57 degrees, 1 degree below normal. Precipitation for the week totaled 0.72 inches which was 0.06 inches above normal. Days suitable for fieldwork averaged 4.7 out of seven. Harvesting corn, soybeans, and seeding wheat were the major farm activities reported. Topsoil moisture as of Friday, October 17 was rated 1 percent very short, 5 percent short, 88 percent adequate and 6 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 1 percent veryshort, 9 percent short, 85 percent adequate, and 5 percent surplus. CORN: As of October 19, harvest reached 82 percent complete compared with 89 percent last year and the average of 91 percent. Farmers continue to report harvested corn being in good condition.Combining was slowed by showers early and late in the week. Above average yields continue to be reported statewide. SOYBEANS: Harvest continues to progress with 33 percent combined, behind the 41 percent of last year the average of 53 percent. As of Sunday, October 19, 99 percent of the acreage had dropped its leaves, the same as in 2002 and just above the average of 98 percent. On Friday, October 17,soybean condition was rated 1 percent poor, 15 percent fair, 49 percent good and 35 percent excellent. TOBACCO: As of Sunday, October 19, burley tobacco in the barn was reported 15 percent stripped compared with 21 percent last year and an average of 17 percent. Condition of housed tobacco on Friday, October 17 was reported as 1 percent very poor, 5 percent poor, 25 percent fair,54 percent good, and 15 percent excellent. Conditions were favorable for curing during the week with rain on several days providing humidity. OTHER CROPS: Pastures were rated 1 percent very poor, 2 percent poor, 22 percent fair, 58 percent good, and 17 percent excellent. Livestock condition was rated good with favorable fall weather and lush pastures. Winter wheat seeding reached 38 percent compared with 35 percent last year, and the average of 42 percent. Seeding is keeping pace as corn acres are harvested. Kentucky Weather Summary: For the Period October 13 to 19, 2003 Near Normal Temperatures and Near Normal Rainfall: Temperatures and rainfall amounts were near normal this past week. The majority of the rainfall came on Tuesday when a cold front moved through the state bringing strong winds behind it. Scattered showers also moved through the state Friday. Temperatures for the period averaged 57 degrees across the state which was 1 degree below normal and 8 degrees cooler than the previous week. High temperatures averaged from 71 in the West to 67 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 1 degree below normal in the West to 1 degree below normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 45 degrees in the West to 46 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 3 degrees below normal in the West to 1 degree above normal in the East. Extreme high temperatures were in the upper 70's and extreme low temperatures were in the lower 30's. Rainfall for the period totaled 0.72 inches statewide which was 0.06 inches above normal. Rainfall totals by climate division, West 0.73 inches, Central 0.67 inches, Bluegrass 0.60 inches and East 0.89 inches, which was +0.04, +0.01, -0.02 and +0.22 inches respectively from normal. By station, rainfall totals ranged from a low of 0.14 inches at Williamstown to a high of 1.32 inches at London. --- Kentucky Crop Weather Issued 4:00 P.M., October 14, 2003 JOC 29-03 AGRICULTURAL NEWS: Fall harvest made rapid progress due to favorable weather across the State. Above average temperatures last week were predominant across the State. Temperatures for the week averaged 65 degrees, 5 degrees above normal. Precipitation for the week totaled 0.12 inches which was 0.54 inches below normal. Days suitable for fie ldwork averaged 5.8 out of seven. Cutting and housing tobacco and harvesting corn were the major farm activities reported. Topsoil moisture as of Friday, October 10 was rated 1 percent very short, 13 percent short, 83 percent adequate and 3 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 1 percent very short, 15 percent short, 82 percent adequate, and 2 percent surplus. TOBACCO: As of Sunday, October 12, burley tobacco in the barn was reported 69 percent not ready for stripping, 25 percent ready for stripping, and 6 percent stripped. Condition of housed tobacco on Friday, October 10 was reported as 1 percent very poor, 3 percent poor, 20 percent fair, 56 percent good, and 20 percent excellent. SOYBEANS: Harvest was gaining momentum with 26 percent combined, the same as last year and just behind the average of 37 percent. As of Sunday, October 12, 99 percent of acreage was dropping leaves compared to 94 percent a year ago and the average of 91 percent. On Friday, October 10, soybean condition was rated 2 percent poor, 15 percent fair, 48 percent good and 35 percent excellent. CORN: As of October 12, 99 percent of the corn acreage had reached maturity, compared with 100 percent for both last year and the 5 year average. Condition was reported 1 percent very poor, 4 percent poor, 21 percent fair, 37 percent good, and 37 percent excellent. Harvest reached 78 percent complete compared with 86 percent last year and the average of 88 percent. OTHER CROPS: Pastures were rated 2 percent very poor, 4 percent poor, 21 percent fair, 61 percent good, and 12 percent excellent. Winter wheat seeding reached 19 percent compared with 15 percent last year, and the average of 22 percent. Some farmers still reported that they were putting up hay last week. Kentucky Weather Summary: For the Period October 6 to 12, 2003 Above Normal Temperatures and Below Normal Rainfall: Seasonably warm temperatures and dry conditions allowed harvest and other field activities to advance. Scattered, very light showers were reported from mid workweek into the weekend. Temperatures for the week averaged 65 degrees across the state which was 5 degrees above normal and 13 degrees warmer than the previous week. High temperatures averaged from 77 in the West to 76 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 3 degrees above normal in the West to 5 degrees above normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 53 degrees in the West to 53 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 3 degrees above normal in the West to 5 degrees above normal in the East. Extreme high and low temperatures were in the low 80's and mid 40's. Rainfall for the period totaled 0.12 inches statewide which was 0.54 inches below normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 0.31 inches, Central 0.12 inches, Bluegrass 0.01 inches and East 0.04 inches, which was 0.38, 0.54, 0.62 and 0.63 inches respectively below normal. By station, rainfall totals ranged from a low of 0.00 inches at Bardstown to a high of 0.66 inches at Cape Girardeau. --- Kentucky Crop Weather Issued 4:00 P.M., October 6, 2003 JOC 28-03 AGRICULTURAL NEWS: Below average temperatures last week were predominant across the State. Temperatures for the week averaged 52 degrees, 10 degrees below normal. Some scattered frost was reported across northern areas. Precipitation for the week totaled 0.27 inches which was 0.43 inches below normal. The rains only slightly slowed harvesting in Kentucky. Days suitable for fieldwork averaged 5.3 out of seven. Harvesting corn and soybeans and clipping pastures were the major farm activities reported. Farmers are in the final stages of cutting and housing tobacco. Topsoil moisture as of Friday, October 3 was rated 7 percent short, 83 percent adequate and 10 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 1 percent very short, 8 percent short, 82 percent adequate, and 9 percent surplus. TOBACCO: As of Sunday, October 5, burley tobacco harvest advanced to 96 percent complete compared to 99 percent last year and the average of 98 percent. The status of burley tobacco in the barn was reported 84 percent not ready for stripping, 13 percent ready for stripping, and 3 percent stripped. Condition of housed tobacco on Friday, October 3 was reported as 6 percent poor, 23 percent fair, 53 percent good, and 18 percent excellent. Dark tobacco harvest reached 95 percent complete compared with 99 percent a year ago and the average of 98 percent. SOYBEANS: Harvest was just underway with 13 percent combined, compared with 17 percent last year and the average of 26 percent. Soybeans mature were reported at 80 percent, compared with 87 percent last year, and a 5 year average of 80 percent, with 80 percent safe from frost damage. As of Sunday, October 5, 96 percent were dropping leaves compared to 84 percent a year ago and the average of 80 percent. On Friday, October 3, soybean condition was rated 2 percent poor, 15 percent fair, 52 percent good and 31 percent excellent. CORN: As of October 5, 96 percent of the corn had reached maturity, compared with 99 percent for both last year and the 5 year average. Condition was reported 1 percent very poor, 4 percent poor, 21 percent fair, 37 percent good, and 37 percent excellent. Harvest reached 65 percent complete compared with 76 percent last year and the average of 78 percent. Reports of above average corn yields and quality continue as farmers harvest the crop this year. OTHER CROPS: Pastures were rated 1 percent very poor, 2 percent poor, 21 percent fair, 61 percent good, and 15 percent excellent. Winter wheat seeding reached 10 percent compared with 11 percent last year, and the average of 15 percent. Some farmers reported that they were still putting up hay last week. Kentucky Weather Summary: For the Period September 29 to October 5, 2003 Below Normal Temperature and Below Normal Rainfall: Unseasonably cool, record low temperatures, with scattered frost and mostly dry conditions dominated the week and provided minimal interruptions to harvest and field activities. This was the third week straight with cooler than normal temperatures. Temperatures for the period averaged 52 degrees across the state which was 10 degrees below normal and 12 degrees cooler than the previous week. High temperatures averaged from 65 in the West to 63 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 11 degrees below normal in the West to 10 degrees below normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 41 degrees in the West to 41 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 12 degrees below normal in the West to 10 degrees below normal in the East. Rainfall for the period totaled 0.27 inches statewide which was 0.43 inches below normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 0.26 inches, Central 0.22 inches, Bluegrass 0.30 inches and East 0.30 inches, which was 0.46, 0.50, 0.37 and 0.41 inches respectively below normal. By station, rainfall totals ranged from a low of 0.00 inches at Mayfield to a high of 0.48 inches at Henderson. --- Kentucky Crop Weather Issued 4:00 P.M., September 29, 2003 JSL 27-03 AGRICULTURAL NEWS: Slightly below average temperatures last week reminded us that we are well into the fall season. Precipitation for the week totaled 2.49 inches which was 1.68 inches above normal. The rains helped double crop soybeans filltheirpods and stimulated fall pasture growth. Days suitable for fieldwork averaged 4.5 out ofseven. Harvestingcornand soybeans and clipping pastures were the major farm activities reported. Corn harvest halted briefly after rain showers early last week as farmers waited for fields to dry. Farmers are in the final stages of cutting and housing tobacco. Topsoil moisture as of Friday, September 26 was rated 5 percent short, 82 percent adequate and 13 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 8 percent short, 80 percent adequate, and 12 percent surplus. TOBACCO: As of Sunday, September 28, burley tobacco harvest advanced to 82 percent complete compared to 93 percent last year and the average of 94 percent. Dark tobacco harvest reached 88 percent complete compared with 93 percent a year ago and the average of 94 percent. Rain last week slowed tobacco harvest and damaged some of the cut tobacco still in the field.Conditionofhoused tobacco onFriday, September 26 was reported as 3 percent very poor, 12 percent poor, 33 percent fair, 35 percent good, and 17 percent excellent. SOYBEANS: Harvestwasjust underwaywith5percent combined, compared with 8 percent last year and the average of 15 percent. Rains last week should help late soybeans develop. As of Sunday, September 28, 70 percent were shedding leaves compared to 72 percent a year ago and the average of 69 percent. On Friday, September 26, soybean condition was rated 1 percent poor, 16 percent fair, 53 percent good and 30 percent excellent. Some farmers are starting to get concerned about double crop soybeans maturing before the frost. CORN: As of September 28, 94 percent of the corn had reached maturity, compared with96 for bothlast year and the 5 year average. Harvest reached 52 percent complete as of Sunday, September 28 compared with 62 percent last year and the average of 66 percent. Reports ofabove average corn yields and quality are the norm as farmers continue to harvest the crop this year. OTHER CROPS: Pastures were rated 1 percent very poor, 2 percent poor, 21 percent fair, 59 percent good, and 17 percent excellent. Farmers continued to prepare fieldsand some started seeding fall small grains last week. A few reports that farmers were still putting up hay last week were received. Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period September 22 to 28, 2003 Below Normal Temperature and Much Above Normal Rainfall: After two dry weeks, surplus rainfall along with below normal temperatures returned to the Bluegrass state. Significant rainfall events occurred at the start of the workweek and during the weekend. Temperatures at mid-week were very warm in the upper 70s to low 80s. The remainder of the workweek and weekend were unseasonably cool. Temperatures for the period averaged 64 degrees across the state which was 1 degree below normal and 2 degrees cooler than the previous week. High temperatures averaged from 77 in the West to 72 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 54 degrees in the West to 56 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 1 degree below normal in the West to 3 degrees above normal in the East. Extreme high temperatures were in the low 80s and extreme low temperatures were in the upper 40s. Rainfall for the period totaled 2.49 inches statewide which was 1.68 inches above normal. Rainfall totals by climate division, West 1.82 inches, Central 3.47 inches, Bluegrass 2.54 inches and East 2.13 inches, which was 1.00, 2.62, 1.76 and 1.35 inches respectively above normal. By Kentucky station, rainfall totals ranged from a low of 1.47 inches at Quicksand to a high of 5.16 inches at Glasgow. --- Kentucky Crop Weather Issued 4:00 P.M., September 22, 2003 JSL 26-03 AGRICULTURAL NEWS: Cool temperatures and sparse precipitation were the predominate weather conditions last week. Days suitable for fieldwork averaged 6.0 out of a possible seven days. Harvesting corn and hay, along with cutting and housing tobacco continued to be the main activities on the farm this week. As of Friday, September 19, topsoil moisture was rated 2 percent very short, 18 percent short,74 percent adequate, and 6 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 3 percent very short, 16 percent short, 74 percent adequate and 7 percent surplus. TOBACCO: Weather conditions continue to be good for curing tobacco. Condition of tobacco was 4 percent very poor, 10 percent poor, 29 percent fair, 44 percent good, and 13 percent excellent. Harvest of the burley crop moved up to 78 percent cut. Last year the rate was 87 percent, with the 5 year average at 88 percent. Eighty-two percent of the dark tobacco had been cut, compared to 89 percent for 2002 and 88 percent on average. Most tobacco has been curing very well. Persistent rains damaged some tobacco during harvesting and may effect quality. Tobacco showing houseburn was reported as 66 percent none, 19 percent light, 13 percent moderate, and 2 percent heavy. CORN: Farmers continued to make good progress harvesting their crop after another dry week. Early reports continue to indicate an overall above average crop and some farmers are predicting record yields. Corn harvesting reached 41 percent, compared to 55 percent last year and 54 percent for the 5 year average. Average moisture content of corn being harvested was 23 percent. As of Friday, September 19, corn condition was reported as 1 percent very poor, 4 percent poor, 21 percent fair, 37 percent good, and 37 percent excellent. Approximately 90 percent of the corn crop was mature. In 2002, 93 percent was mature, with 92 percent for the 5 year average. SOYBEANS: Harvest for full season beans should get started next week, while double crop beans still need some time to develop. Crop condition was 1 percent poor, 16 percent fair, 49 percent good, and 34 percent excellent. As of Sunday, September 21, 30 percent of the soybean crop was shedding leaves, compared with 53 percent last year, and the 5 year average of 54 percent. OTHER CROPS: Fall hay harvest is almost complete and hay yield has been above average this year. The quality has been hurt this year due to steady rains that prevented timely harvesting. Condition of the hay was reported as 1 percent very poor, 2 percent poor, 26 percent fair, 50 percent good, and 21 percent excellent. Hay supplies are expected to be adequate this year. Pastures were rated 1 percent very poor, 3 percent poor, 21 percent fair, 55 percent good, and 20 percent excellent. Farmers seeded pastures and prepared fields for fall small seeding grains. Kentucky Weather Summary: September 15 to 22, 2003 Temperatures for the period averaged 66 degrees across the state which was -1 degrees from normal. High temperatures averaged from 79 in the West to 76 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from -2 degrees from normal in the West to -1 degrees from normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 52 degrees in the West to 56 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from -5 degrees from normal in the West to +1 degrees from normal in the East. Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 0.14 inches statewide which was -0.67 inches from normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 0.07 inches, Central 0.20 inches, Bluegrass 0.08 inches and East 0.21 inches, which was -0.75, -0.65, -0.69 and -0.58 inches respectively from normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.00 inches at Berea to a high of 0.73 inches at Hardinsburg. --- Kentucky Crop Weather Issued 4:00 P.M., September 15, 2003 JSL 25-03 AGRICULTURAL NEWS: Dry weather and warm days allowed farmers to get out in the fields until the weekend showers. Days suitable for fieldwork averaged 6.0 out of a possible seven days. Harvesting hay, corn, silage, and tobacco continued to be the main activities on the farm this week. As of Friday, September 12, topsoil moisture was rated 8 percent short, 85 percent adequate, and 7 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 1 percent very short, 7 percent short, 83 percent adequate and 9 percent surplus. TOBACCO: Cut tobacco was rated mostly fair to good. A few reporters noted that Blue mold is still a problem for tobacco remaining in the field. Condition of tobacco was 2 percent very poor, 9 percent poor, 24 percent fair, 47 percent good, and 18 percent excellent. Foggy weather last week helped tobacco cure. Some houseburn in tobacco curing in the barns was reported. Well over half of the burley crop had been harvested with 66 percent cut. Last year the rate was 79 percent, with the 5 year average at 81 percent. Sixty-four percent of the dark tobacco had been cut, compared to 79 percent for both 2002 and the 5 year average. CORN: Farmers got a boost toward harvesting their crop as the heat continued to dry the corn crop down. Reports on corn crop yields continued to point toward an above average crop. As of Friday, September 12, corn condition was reported as 1 percent very poor, 4 percent poor, 17 percent fair, 43 percent good, and 35 percent excellent. Ninety-two percent of the corn crop was dented, compared to 98 percent for both one year ago and the 5 year average. Approximately 68 percent of the corn crop was mature. In 2002, 87 percent was mature, with 83 percent for the 5 year average. Corn harvesting reached 22 percent, compared to 45 percent last year and 38 percent for the 5 year average. SOYBEANS: The recent rains that have hindered corn harvesting have helped double crop beans develop. Disease is present in some fields, but overall it is not a problem. Crop condition was 1 percent poor, 14 percent fair, 51 percent good, and 34 percent excellent. Twenty-six percent of the soybean fields have turned yellow, compared to 52 percent last year, and 55 percent for the 5 year average. As of Friday, September 12, 8 percent of the soybean crop was shedding leaves, compared with 34 percent for both last year, and the 5 year average. OTHER CROPS: Hay continued to be cut, and yields have been above average. Condition of the hay was reported as 1 percent very poor, 3 percent poor, 25 percent fair, 50 percent good, and 21 percent excellent. Pastures were still in good condition unlike last year when some farmers were forced to feed hay in early September. Pasture condition was reported at 1 percent very poor, 2 percent poor, 21 percent fair, 58 percent good, and 18 percent excellent. Kentucky Weather Summary: September 08 to 14, 2003 Above Normal Temperature and Below Normal Rainfall: A dry workweek and first part of the weekend...which followed two previous very wet weeks. Temperatures continued the trend of near to above normal temperatures from the previous four weeks. Rainfall on Sunday was mostly light and very scattered. Early morning fog was reported daily during the workweek. Temperatures for the 7 day period averaged 71 degrees across the state which was 2 degrees above normal and similar to the previous week. High temperatures averaged from 83 in the West to 80 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 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 1 degree above normal in the East. Rainfall for the week totaled 0.16 inches statewide which was 0.64 inches below normal. Rainfall totals by climate division, West 0.16 inches, Central 0.33 inches, Bluegrass 0.04 inches and East 0.11 inches, which was -0.66, -0.52, -0.74 and -0.67 inches respectively from normal. By station, rainfall totals ranged from a low of 0.00 inches at Jackson to a high of 0.83 inches at Bowling Green. --- Kentucky Crop Weather Issued 4:00 P.M., September 8, 2003 KGC 24-03 AGRICULTURAL NEWS: Wet conditions halted fieldwork. That seemed to be the consensus among farmers in the State. With the rain and cooler temperatures, crops still looked good, except for some bottom land fields that experienced some damage from the standing water. Working between showers farmers cut and housed tobacco, cut hay, and harvested early maturing corn. Days suitable for fieldwork averaged 2.4 out of a possible seven days. Topsoil moisture as of Friday, September 5 was rated 2 percent short, 57 percent adequate and 41 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 5 percent short, 63 percent adequate and 32 percent surplus. TOBACCO: When weather permitted, a few more fields of tobacco were cut and housed. For the most part, the housed tobacco continued to cure well. Twenty-eight percent of the early housed tobacco showed some houseburn, and a few reports indicated some blue mold in a few tobacco fields. Late maturing fields were topped and sprayed for suckers and insects. Condition of the tobacco was reported as 2 percent very poor, 7 percent poor, 25 percent fair, 47 percent good, and 19 percent excellent. Forty-four percent of burley tobacco has been cut, compared to 66 percent for 2002 and 70 percent for the 5 year average. Dark tobacco cut was 45 percent, behind last year’s 57 percent and the 5 year average of 65 percent. CORN: Corn harvested for grain looks very good. Rain kept many farmers from getting into the fields to harvest the crop. If the showers hold off for a few more days, harvesting the corn should be well under way. Condition of the corn crop was 1 percent very poor, 4 percent poor, 26 percent fair, 40 percent good, and 29 percent excellent. By Sunday, September 7, 88 percent of the corn has reached the dent stage or beyond, compared to 94 percent a year ago and 95 for the 5 year average. Corn was 60 percent mature, also behind 69 percent a year ago and 70 percent for the 5 year average. Fourteen percent of the corn crop has been harvested, compared with 33 percent last year and 23 percent for the 5 year average. SOYBEANS: Crop condition was rated 1 percent poor, 17 percent fair, 55 percent good, and 27 percent excellent. Ninety-three percent of the soybeans was setting pods, behind 2002's progress of 97 percent, and slightly behind the 5 year average of 94 percent. Only 12 percent of the soybean crop’s leaves were turning yellow, compared to 37 percent for both last year and the 5 year average. Soybeans dropping leaves was 3 percent, compared with 16 percent a year ago, and the 5 year average of 17 percent. The additional showers this week should aid the double-cropped soybeans in filling pods. A few reports indicated some lodging and aphids. OTHER CROPS: Farmers tried to cut hay this week, when it was not raining. Condition of the hay crop was rated 2 percent poor, 22 percent fair, 52 percent good, and 24 percent excellent. The showers improved the condition of pastures, which were rated at 3 percent poor, 19 percent fair, 55 percent good, and 23 percent excellent. Kentucky Weather Summary: September 1 to 7, 2003 Near Normal Temperatures and Much Above Normal Rainfall: The combined influence of Gulf moisture from the remnants of Tropical Storm Grace and a stalled frontal system over the Ohio Valley provided frequent and oftentimes intense rainfall across the Commonwealth during most of the workweek. Flooding was reported in many areas of the state. This occurred after the 2nd wettest April through August on record. Drier conditions returned on Friday and remained through the weekend. Temperatures for the week averaged 71 degrees across the state which was near normal and 8 degrees cooler than the previous week. High temperatures averaged from 79 in the West to 78 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 63 degrees in the West to 63 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 2 degrees above normal in the West to 4 degrees above normal in the East. Rainfall for the period totaled 2.77 inches statewide which was 1.97 inches above normal. Rainfall totals by climate division, West 3.05 inches, Central 3.38 inches, Bluegrass 2.48 inches and East 2.17 inches, which was 2.24, 2.53, 1.71 and 1.39 inches respectively above normal. By station, rainfall totals ranged from a low of 0.84 inches at Evansville to a high of 6.57 inches at Hardinsburg --- Kentucky Crop Weather Issued 4:00 P.M., September 2, 2003 KGC 23-03 AGRICULTURAL NEWS: Another warm week was in store for Kentucky farmers. Weekend showers revived some crops, but prevented farmers from working in the fields at week’s end. Before the rain, early tobacco was cut and housed, more hay was harvested, and pastures were clipped. The number of days suitable for fieldwork averaged 5.6 out of a possible seven days. Topsoil moisture was rated 3 percent very short, 26 percent short, 62 percent adequate and 9 percent surplus as of Friday, August 29. Subsoil moisture was rated 2 percent very short, 22 percent short, 69 percent adequate and 7 percent surplus. CORN: Corn condition was 2 percent very poor, 5 percent poor, 20 percent fair, 42 percent good, and 31 percent excellent. Eighty-six percent of the corn has reached the dent stage or beyond, behind both last year and the 5 year average of 90 percent. Corn matured was at 49 percent, compared to 57 percent a year ago and 53 percent for the 5 year average. The rain prevented farmers from harvesting their early-maturing corn for grain. Farmers were chopping corn for silage. Once the fields are dry enough, the harvest season should pick up quickly. SOYBEANS: Recent showers greatly improved soybean conditions, which were rated 2 percent poor, 17 percent fair, 49 percent good, and 32 percent excellent. Soybeans setting pods was at 83 percent, compared to 86 percent for 2002 and 87 for the average. Six percent of the soybean crop’s leaves were turning yellow, behind last year’s 16 percent, and the 5 year average of 20 percent. On Sunday, August 31, 1 percent of the soybeans were dropping leaves, compared to 4 percent a year ago, and the 5 year average of 8 percent. Rain will benefit pod filling and farmers with late or double-cropped soybeans hope for a late frost this year. TOBACCO: Some of the early tobacco were cut and housed this week. It appears to be curing well and weighing a little heavy. Additional reports of blue mold were minimal. Tobacco condition was reported as 2 percent very poor, 7 percent poor, 25 percent fair, 45 percent good, and 21 percent excellent. Thirty-five percent of burley tobacco has been cut, below last year’s 44 percent and the 5 year average of 53 percent. Dark tobacco cut was 29 percent, compared to 40 percent for 2002 and 51 percent for the 5 year average. OTHER CROPS: Farmers continued to cut hay this week. Hay conditions were 1 percent very poor, 4 percent poor, 23 percent fair, 52 percent good, and 20 percent excellent. Pastures revived some with the weekend showers. Pasture condition was rated at 2 percent very poor, 6 percent poor, 28 percent fair, 47 percent good, and 17 percent excellent. Kentucky Weather Summary: For the Period August 25 to August 31, 2003 Above Normal Temperatures and Above Normal Rainfall: The hottest workweek so far this summer for the state as a whole with numerous showers and thunderstorms which started at mid-week and continued into the weekend. Most locations had high temperatures in the low to mid 90s through the workweek. But cooler temperatures returned on the weekend. Temperatures for the period averaged 79 degrees across the state which was 7 degrees above normal and 2 degrees warmer than the previous week. High temperatures averaged from 91 in the West to 87 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 5 degrees above normal in the West to 5 degrees above normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 70 degrees in the West to 68 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 1.46 inches statewide which was 0.61 inches above normal. Rainfall totals by climate division, West 1.70 inches, Central 1.56 inches, Bluegrass 1.30 inches and East 1.26 inches, which was +0.91, +0.72, +0.44 and +0.38 inches respectively above normal. By station, rainfall totals ranged from a low of 0.39 inches at Williamstown to a high of 2.02 inches at Paducah. --- Kentucky Crop Weather Issued 4:00 P.M., August 25, 2003 KGC 22-03 AGRICULTURAL NEWS: Warm, dry conditions persisted this week. Showers fell on parts of the State later in the week. Topping, spraying and cutting tobacco, harvesting hay, clipping pastures and preparing harvest equipment continued from last week. Days suitable for fieldwork averaged 5.9 out of a possible seven days. As of Friday, August 22, topsoil moisture was rated 2 percent very short, 27 percent short, 67 percent adequate and 4 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 2 percent very short, 17 percent short, 74 percent adequate and 7 percent surplus. TOBACCO: The condition of tobacco was reported as 1 percent very poor, 7 percent poor, 28 percent fair, 45 percent good, and 19 percent excellent. The hot and dry weather helped to dry up a few tobacco fields affected by blue mold, though some fields still suffered from blue mold and black shank. Very few incidents of insect damage have been reported. About 23 percent of burley tobacco has been cut, compared with 33 percent for 2002 and the 5 year average of 38 percent. Dark tobacco cutting was 17 percent, behind both last year’s 24 percent and 37 percent for the 5 year average. CORN: The corn crop is developing well, in spite of progressing slower than last year. Harvest should begin for early-maturing corn within the next few weeks. Corn condition was 2 percent very poor, 6 percent poor, 28 percent fair, 37 percent good, and 27 percent excellent. As of Sunday, August 24, 94 percent of the corn has reached the dough stage or beyond, behind 2002's 97 percent, but the same as the 5 year average. Corn dented was at 71 percent, compared to 81 percent last year and 77 percent on average. SOYBEANS: Soybeans look good, but could use some more rain. That seems to be the consensus among people across the State. Crop condition for the week was rated 4 percent poor, 19 percent fair, 50 percent good, and 27 percent excellent. Eighty-seven percent of the soybean crop was blooming, compared to 92 percent last year and 93 percent for the 5 year average. On Sunday, August 24, two-thirds of the soybeans were setting pods, compared to 79 percent a year ago, and the 5 year average of 77 percent. Soybeans shedding leaves was at 1 percent, same as 2002, but behind the 5 year average of 2 percent. OTHER CROPS: Additional cuttings of hay continued from previous week. Fields looked good, but a few more showers will further improve conditions. For the week, those conditions were 2 percent poor, 27 percent fair, 54 percent good, and 17 percent excellent. Pasture condition was rated at 1 percent very poor, 3 percent poor, 24 percent fair, 55 percent good, and 17 percent excellent. Kentucky Weather Summary: For the Period August 18 to 24, 2003 Above Normal Temperatures and Below Normal Rainfall: A mostly dry week with limited showers and thunderstorms some of which provided intense rainfall and high winds in localized areas of central and eastern sections of the state. It was the second week with above normal temperatures and below normal rainfall. Temperatures for the period averaged 77 degrees across the state which was 3 degrees above normal. High temperatures averaged from 91 in the West to 85 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 4 degrees above 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 3 degrees above normal in the West to 4 degrees above normal in the East. Western sections had 5 days with high temperatures near or above 90 degrees, with no days in the 90's in eastern sections of the state. Rainfall for the period totaled 0.37 inches statewide which was 0.47 inches from normal. Rainfall totals by climate division, West 0.08 inches, Central 0.73 inches, Bluegrass 0.56 inches and East 0.10 inches, which was 0.71, 0.11, 0.30 and 0.77 inches respectively below normal. By station, rainfall totals ranged from a low of 0.00 inches at Berea to a high of 2.10 inches at Bardstown. --- Kentucky Crop Weather Issued 4:00 P.M., August 18, 2003 KBM 21-03 AGRICULTURAL NEWS: Farmers were able to get a little more fieldwork accomplished last week as showers subsided for much of Kentucky last week. Days suitable for fieldwork averaged 4.9 out of a possible seven days. Main farm activities included, topping, spraying and cutting tobacco, harvesting hay, clipping pastures and preparing harvest equipment. Topsoil moisture as of Friday, August 15 was rated 8 percent short, 73 percent adequate and 19 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 9 percent short, 74 percent adequate and 17 percent surplus. CORN: As of Sunday, August 17, 90 percent of the corn was in the milk stage or beyond, which was behind last year’s average of 97 percent and the 5 year average of 96 percent. Seventy percent of the corn has reached the dough stage or beyond, compared to 80 percent last year and the 5 year average of 81 percent. Forty-two percent of the corn was dented, compared with 58 percent last year and 55 percent on average. The corn crop is in mostly good to excellent condition, with 1 percent very poor, 5 percent poor, 22 percent fair, 43 percent good, and 29 percent excellent. SOYBEANS: Condition of the soybean crop improved and was rated 2 percent poor, 18 percent fair, 52 percent good, and 28 percent excellent. As of Sunday, August 17, 78 percent of the soybeans were blooming, compared to 79 percent a year ago and 83 percent on average. About half were setting pods, compared with 57 percent last year, and the five-year average of 61 percent. TOBACCO: Blue mold was on a lot of reporters minds last week. The impact of blue mold seems to be highly variable. There were about as many remarks that damage was light or moderate as there were that some fields were badly damaged by the disease. Less rain and hotter temperatures are needed to slow the progress of the disease. Black shank damage appears to be minimal to moderate. Insect damage has been minimal. As of Sunday, August 17, the condition of set tobacco was reported as 3 percent very poor, 11 percent poor, 25 percent fair, 42 percent good, and 19 percent excellent. About 9 percent of burley tobacco has been cut, behind both last year’s 17 percent and the 5 year average of 22 percent. Fifty-nine percent of burley tobacco was topped, also behind both last year’s 79 percent and the 5 year average of 80 percent. Dark tobacco reported topped was 85 percent, compared with 97 percent for 2002 and the 5 year average of 93 percent. Dark tobacco cut was 8 percent, behind both last year’s 19 percent and the 5 year average of 21 percent. OTHER CROPS: Hay harvest picked up last week in most areas. It is still a challenge to harvest hay and clip pastures in some eastern Kentucky areas where the ground remains saturated. The condition both of pastures and the hay crop was rated the same at 3 percent poor, 20 percent fair, 57 percent good, and 20 percent excellent. Kentucky Weather Summary: For the Period August 11 to 17, 2003 Above Normal Temperatures and Below Normal Rainfall: A daily dose of scattered showers and thunderstorms were the rule last week as a weak upper-level low pressure system stalled in the lower Ohio Valley. The concentration of activity was in the Bluegrass and Eastern sections of the state with West and Central receiving below normal rainfall for the period. It was the warmest week since the beginning of July and the first week with above normal temperatures in 5 weeks for the entire state. Temperatures for the period averaged 77 degrees across the state which was 3 degrees above normal and 3 degrees warmer than the previous week. High temperatures averaged from 88 in the West to 85 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 67 degrees in the West to 68 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 3 degrees above normal in the West to 5 degrees above normal in the East. Extreme high temperatures were in the low 90's and extreme low temperatures were near 60 degrees. Rainfall for the period totaled 0.58 inches statewide which was 0.27 inches below normal. Rainfall totals by climate division, West 0.12 inches, Central 0.20 inches, Bluegrass 0.87 inches and East 1.11 inches, which was -0.67, -0.64, +0.01 and +0.24 inches respectively from normal. By station, rainfall totals ranged from a low of 0.01 inches at Paducah to a high of 1.93 inches at Lexington's (UK Spindletop Research Farm). --- Kentucky Crop Weather Issued 4:00 P.M., August 11, 2003 KBM 20-03 AGRICULTURAL NEWS: High winds and some hail swept across Kentucky early last week. Central and eastern Kentucky were most affected. The extent of damage is thought to be minimal due to the stage crops were in, although a couple of reports of serious water damage to tobacco were received. Days suitable for fieldwork averaged 3.8 out of a possible seven days. Farmers were busy last week topping tobacco, spraying for suckers, insects and weeds, hay baling and preparing equipment for the upcoming tobacco and corn harvest. Topsoil moisture as of Friday, August 8 was rated 4 percent short, 72 percent adequate and 24 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 7 percent short, 70 percent adequate and 23 percent surplus. TOBACCO: Continuing wet weather is causing some problems with blue mold in eastern Kentucky fields, although the extent is variable. Black shank has been reported, but appears to be localized. Insect damage has been minimal. Several producers reported they had started cutting their early tobacco. As of Sunday, August 10, the condition of set tobacco was reported as 2 percent very poor, 12 percent poor, 29 percent fair, 40 percent good, and 17 percent excellent. Sixty-seven percent of burley tobacco was blooming or beyond, behind both last year’s 78 percent and the 5 year average of 83 percent. Forty-five percent of burley tobacco was topped, also behind both last year’s 64 percent and the 5 year average of 63 percent. Dark tobacco reported topped was seventy-four percent, compared with 84 percent for 2002 and the 5 year average. CORN: As of Sunday, August 10, seventy-eight percent of the corn was in the milk stage or beyond, which was behind last year’s average of 87 percent and the 5 year average of 86 percent. Fifty-nine percent of the corn has reached the dough stage or beyond, compared to 62 percent last year and the 5 year average of 65 percent. Thirty percent of the corn was dented, compared with 41 percent last year and 34 percent on average. The corn crop is in mostly good to excellent condition, with 1 percent very poor, 6 percent poor, 25 percent fair, 39 percent good, and 29 percent excellent. SOYBEANS: Most comments about soybeans were favorable. Western Kentucky farmers were especially optimistic. As of Sunday, August 10, sixty-six percent of the soybeans were blooming and thirty-seven percent were setting pods, last year 76 percent were blooming and 47 percent were setting pods. The 5 year average for soybeans blooming and setting pods were 74 and 50 percent respectively. Condition of the soybean crop improved and was rated 1 percent very poor, 2 percent poor, 18 percent fair, 49 percent good, and 30 percent excellent. OTHER CROPS: Rains have helped produce a lot of hay, but farmers are having trouble getting it cut and baled due to wet weather. The condition of the hay crop was rated 3 percent poor, 19 percent fair, 57 percent good, and 21 percent excellent. Pastures remain in good to excellent condition and were rated 2 percent poor, 17 percent fair, 61 percent good and 20 percent excellent. Kentucky Weather Summary: For the Period August 4 to 10, 2003 Below Normal Temperatures and Above Normal Rainfall: Central and Eastern sections of the state received much above normal rainfall last week with Western sections receiving much less rainfall than the remainder of the state. The cooler than normal temperatures trend continued. Temperatures for the 7 day period averaged 74 degrees across the state which was 2 degrees below normal and 2 degrees cooler than the previous week. High temperatures averaged from 85 in the West to 81 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 4 degrees below normal in the West to 5 degrees below normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 65 degrees in the West to 64 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 1 degree below normal in the West to near normal in the East. Rainfall for the period totaled 1.23 inches statewide which was 0.39 inches above normal. Rainfall totals by climate division, West 0.34 inches, Central 0.88 inches, Bluegrass 1.25 inches and East 2.45 inches, which was -0.45, +0.03, +0.40 and +1.58 inches respectively from normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.00 inches at Bowling Green to a high of 5.29 inches at Bristol. --- Kentucky Crop Weather Issued 4:00 P.M., August 4, 2003 KBM 19-03 AGRICULTURAL NEWS: Last week was a wet end to a very wet and cool month for much of the State. Showers and thunderstorms hampered fieldwork for most of the week. Days suitable for fieldwork averaged 4.0 out of a possible seven days. As conditions allowed, farmers were busy last week topping tobacco, spraying for suckers, insects and weeds, hay baling and general farm maintenance. Topsoil moisture as of Friday, August 1 was rated 10 percent short, 68 percent adequate and 22 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 11 percent short, 74 percent adequate and 15 percent surplus. CORN: As of Sunday, August 3, eighty-eight percent of the corn has silked or is silking, compared to last year’s 97 percent and the 5 year average of 95 percent. Sixty-four percent was in the milk stage or beyond, which was behind last year’s average of 81 percent and the 5 year average of 76 percent. Forty-two percent of the corn has reached the dough stage or beyond, compared to 57 percent last year and the 5 year average of 52 percent. The emerged corn remains in mostly fair to excellent condition, with 1 percent very poor, 8 percent poor, 28 percent fair, 37 percent good, and 26 percent excellent. SOYBEANS: Early soybeans were reported to be in mostly good shape. Later planted soybeans will be very reliant on the kindness of mother nature during August and September. As of Sunday, August 3, 57 percent of the soybeans were blooming and 19 percent were setting pods, last year 70 percent were blooming and 39 percent were setting pods. The 5 year average for soybeans blooming and setting pods were 67 and 41 percent respectively. Condition of emerged soybeans was rated 1 percent very poor, 4 percent poor, 21 percent fair, 53 percent good, and 21 percent excellent. TOBACCO: There were few reports of disease or insect problems in tobacco. There is some concern about tobacco height. For some tobacco fields, last week’s rains were too much and for some, the clouds passed over leaving fields dry. To paraphrase one reporter from western Kentucky, tobacco has struggled from the start from excessive rain, then too little rain and cooler than normal temperatures. As of Sunday, August 3, the condition of set tobacco was reported as 1 percent very poor, 9 percent poor, 30 percent fair, 46 percent good, and 14 percent excellent. Fifty-two percent of burley tobacco was blooming or beyond, behind both last year’s 64 percent and the 5 year average of 69 percent. Thirty percent of burley tobacco was topped, also behind both last year’s 40 percent and the 5 year average of 45 percent. Dark tobacco reported topped was 61 percent, compared with 76 percent for 2002 and the 5 year average. OTHER CROPS: Between showers, farmers cut and baled hay and clipped pastures. The condition of the hay crop was rated 4 percent poor, 21 percent fair, 54 percent good, and 21 percent excellent. Pastures remain in good to excellent condition and were rated 4 percent poor, 20 percent fair, 51 percent good and 25 percent excellent. Kentucky Weather Summary: July 28 to August 3, 2003 Near Normal Temperatures and Above Normal Rainfall: 15th Wettest; 2nd Coolest June and July on Record: Showers and thunderstorms occurred at the beginning, middle and end of the week due to a persistent upper-level trough and stalled surface low pressure system over the Ohio Valley for most of the week. Interruptions to field activities resulted from the cooler, wet conditions which is a continuation of a very cool, wet June and July. Temperatures for the past week averaged 76 degrees across the state which was near normal and 2 degrees warmer than the previous week. High temperatures averaged from 86 in the West to 82 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 3 degrees below normal in the West to 4 degrees below normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 67 degrees in the West to 67 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 1 degree above normal in the West to 3 degrees above normal in the East. Rainfall for the week totaled 2.36 inches statewide which was 1.39 inches above normal. Rainfall totals by climate division, West 2.68 inches, Central 2.44 inches, Bluegrass 1.53 inches and East 2.78 inches, which was 1.81, 1.45, 0.56 and 1.76 inches respectively above normal. By Kentucky station, rainfall totals ranged from a low of 0.62 inches at Spindletop (UK Research Farm) to a high of 5.20 inches at Henderson. --- Kentucky Crop Weather Issued 4:00 P.M., July 28, 2003 TNS 18-03 AGRICULTURAL NEWS: Temperatures for the State averaged 74 degrees which was 3 degrees below normal. Precipitation for the week was 0.16 inches below normal, except for the central part of the State which was hit by heavy rains on Monday the 21st. Strong winds with this storm did some damage to tobacco. The major farming activity this week included topping and cultivating tobacco, harvesting hay, and clipping pastures. Days suitable for fieldwork averaged 4.8 out of a possible seven days. Topsoil moisture as of Friday, July 25 was rated 2 percent very short, 18 percent short, 72 percent adequate and 8 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 1 percent very short, 16 percent short, 77 percent adequate and 6 percent surplus. CORN: Most reporters seem to be optimistic about the corn crop. The western part of the State still needs more rain. As of Sunday, July 27, seventy-five percent of the corn has silked or is silking, compared to last year’s 83 percent and the 5 year average of 88 percent. Fifty-four percent was in the milk stage or beyond, which was the same as last year’s 54 percent and the 5 year average of 60 percent. Twenty-six percent of the corn has reached the dough stage or beyond, compared to 33 percent last year and the 5 year average of 36 percent. The emerged corn was in fair to excellent condition, with 2 percent very poor, 9 percent poor, 22 percent fair, 42 percent good, and 25 percent excellent. SOYBEANS: Farmers were spraying the soybeans for weeds during the week. As of Sunday, July 27, 33 percent of the soybeans were blooming and 10 percent were setting pods, last year 42 percent were blooming and 19 percent were setting pods. The 5 year average for soybeans blooming and setting pods were 55 and 29 percent respectively. Condition of emerged soybeans was rated 1 percent very poor, 5 percent poor, 22 percent fair, 53 percent good, and 19 percent excellent. TOBACCO: There were minimal reports of disease or insect problems in the tobacco, that was the good news. The rest of the reports were mixed and weather related. Those areas hit with heavy rains also had high winds that blew down tobacco. As of Sunday, July 27, the condition of set tobacco was reported as 3 percent very poor, 12 percent poor, 31 percent fair, 42 percent good, and 12 percent excellent. Thirty-five percent of burley tobacco was blooming or beyond, which was behind both last year’s 51 percent and the 5 year average of 55 percent. Seventeen percent of burley tobacco was topped, also behind both last year’s 20 percent and the 5 year average of 28 percent. Dark tobacco reported topped was 30 percent, compared with 50 percent for 2002 and 57 percent for the 5 year average. OTHER CROPS: Hay baling and pasture clipping continued to be the major farming activities this past week. The condition of the hay crop was rated 1 percent very poor, 4 percent poor, 24 percent fair, 53 percent good, and 18 percent excellent. Pastures remain in good to excellent condition and were rated 1 percent very poor, 3 percent poor, 21 percent fair, 58 percent good and 17 percent excellent. KENTUCKY WEATHER SUMMARY, JULY 21 - 27, 2003: Below Normal Temperatures and Rainfall: Temperatures for the period averaged 74 degrees across the State which was 3 degrees below normal. High temperatures averaged from 86 in the West to 81 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 3 degrees below normal in the West to 5 degrees below 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 2 degrees below normal in the West to 1 degree below normal in the East. Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 0.90 inches statewide which was 0.16 inches below normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 0.47 inches, Central 1.68 inches, Bluegrass 0.70 inches and East 0.73 inches, which was -0.45, +0.57, -0.36 and -0.40 inches respectively from normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.05 inches at Cape Girardeau to a high of 3.09 inches at Glasgow. Tom Priddy --- Kentucky Crop Weather Release Date, Week Ending Date Week ending July 21, 2003 Issued 4:00 P.M., July 21, 2003 TNS 17-03 AGRICULTURAL NEWS: A frontal system moved across the State mid-week and provided beneficial rainfall, which was especially needed in the western part of the State. Rainfall for the week averaged 0.69 inches statewide which was 0.37 inches below normal. The major farming activity this week included topping and cultivating tobacco, harvesting hay, and clipping pastures. Days suitable for fieldwork averaged 5.3 out of a possible seven days. Topsoil moisture as of Friday, July 18 was rated 2 percent very short, 24 percent short, 68 percent adequate and 6 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 2 percent very short, 20 percent short, 71 percent adequate and 7 percent surplus. CORN: Corn continues to show good growth across the State. As of Sunday, July 20, 68 percent of the corn has silked or is silking, which was the same as last year’s percentage and behind the 5 year average of 78 percent. Thirty-eight percent of the crop was in milk stage or beyond, compared to last year’s 33 percent and the 5 year average of 40 percent. Eighteen percent of the corn has reached the dough stage or beyond. This was ahead of last year’s 13 percent and the 5 year average of 17 percent. The emerged corn was in good to fair condition, with 3 percent very poor, 12 percent poor, 26 percent fair, 38 percent good, and 21 percent excellent. SOYBEANS: Farmers were spraying soybeans for weeds this past week. As of Sunday, July 20, 22 percent of the soybeans were blooming and 4 percent were setting pods. Last year 31 percent were blooming and 9 percent were setting pods. The 5 year average for soybeans blooming and setting pods were 41 and 16 percent respectively. Condition of emerged soybeans was rated 1 percent very poor, 7 percent poor, 25 percent fair, 46 percent good, and 21 percent excellent. TOBACCO: There were minimal reports of disease or insect problems for tobacco. The major concern is that plants were set late and are blooming before putting on much height. The rains brought weed growth and some low lying fields were flooded. As of Sunday, July 20, the condition of set tobacco was reported as 3 percent very poor, 14 percent poor, 26 percent fair, 47 percent good, and 10 percent excellent. Twenty-one percent of burley tobacco was blooming or beyond, which was behind both last year and average. Six percent of burley tobacco was topped, also behind last year and the 5 year average. Dark tobacco reported blooming or beyond was 36 percent, compared with 29 percent for 2002 and 41 percent for the 5 year average. OTHER CROPS: Until the rains came, hay baling was a major activity during the week. The condition of the hay crop was rated 1 percent very poor, 5 percent poor, 27 percent fair, 54 percent good, 13 percent excellent. Pastures remain in fair to good condition and were rated 1 percent very poor, 7 percent poor, 24 percent fair, 49 percent good and 19 percent excellent. Kentucky Weather Summary: For the Period July 14 to July 20, 2003 Near Normal Temperatures and Below Normal Rainfall: Rainfall occurred across the Commonwealth of Kentucky last week as a frontal system moved across the state at mid-week. Unlike the previous several weeks, Western Kentucky also received some benefical rainfall. Temperatures for the period averaged 76 degrees across the state which was near normal and 1 degree cooler than the previous week. High temperatures averaged from 88 in the West to 84 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 1 degree below normal in the West to 2 degrees below normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 67 degrees in the West to 64 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 1 degree above normal in the West to near normal in the East. Extreme high and low temperatures ranged from the low to mid 60's to low 90's. Rainfall for the week totaled 0.69 inches statewide which was 0.37 inches below normal. Rainfall totals by climate division, West 0.58 inches, Central 0.46 inches, Bluegrass 1.09 inches and East 0.62 inches, which was -0.35, -0.65, +0.04 and -0.51 inches respectively from normal. By station, rainfall totals ranged from a low of 0.00 inches at Glasgow to a high of 2.16 inches at Louisville. --- Kentucky Crop Weather Release Date, Week Ending Date Week ending July 7, 2003 Issued 4:00 P.M., July 14, 2003 JMB 16-03 AGRICULTURAL NEWS: The central and eastern portions of Kentucky received rain, which was needed to benefit crops, the western part of the State is starting to need rain. The major farming activity this week included topping and cultivating tobacco, harvesting hay, and clipping pastures. Days suitable for fieldwork averaged 4.8 out of a possible seven days. Topsoil moisture as of Friday, July 11 was rated 5 percent very short, 17 percent short, 63 percent adequate and 15 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 3 percent very short, 15 percent short, 69 percent adequate and 13 percent surplus. CORN: Corn in the western part of the State was starting to need rain, otherwise the corn is doing well. As of Sunday, July 13, Fifty-seven percent of the corn has silked or is silking, compared to last year’s 56 percent and the 5 year average of 66 percent. Twenty-five percent was in milk stage or beyond, compared to last year’s 28 percent and the 5 year average of 19 percent. Eight percent of the corn has reached the dough stage or beyond, compared to the 5 year average of 3 percent. The emerged corn was in fair to excellent condition, with 2 percent very poor, 9 percent poor, 23 percent fair, 40 percent good, and 26 percent excellent. SOYBEANS: Farmers were spraying the soybeans for weeds this week. As of Sunday, July 13, 8 percent of the soybeans were blooming and 1 percent were setting pods, last year 18 percent were blooming and 4 percent were setting pods. The 5 year average for soybeans blooming and setting pods were 25 and 6 percent respectively. Condition of emerged soybeans was rated 1 percent very poor, 5 percent poor, 27 percent fair, 42 percent good, and 25 percent excellent. TOBACCO: There were minimal reports of disease or insect problems in the tobacco. The rains brought weed growth and some low lying fields were flooded. As of Sunday, July 13, the condition of set tobacco was reported as 3 percent very poor, 13 percent poor, 29 percent fair, 46 percent good, and 9 percent excellent. Tobacco height was reported at 62 percent under 24 inches tall, 28 percent between 24 and 36 inches, and 10 percent over 36 inches high. SMALL GRAINS: Wheat harvesting is nearly complete with 99 percent of the crop harvested as of July 13. The wheat harvest is comparable with last year’s 99 percent and the average of 98 percent. OTHER CROPS: Until the rains came, hay baling was a major activity during the week. The condition of the crop was rated 1 percent very poor, 4 percent poor, 24 percent fair, 44 percent good, 27 percent excellent. Pastures remain in good to excellent condition and were rated 1 percent very poor, 6 percent poor, 22 percent fair, 48 percent good and 23 percent excellent. Kentucky Weather Summary: For the Period July 7 to July 13, 2003 Above Normal Temperatures and Above Normal Rainfall: Very timely and, for the most part benefical rainfall occurred for much of the state during the mid to latter part of the workweek. Central, Bluegrass and Eastern sections of the state benefited greatest...while several weather stations in the Western section of the state received little or no rainfall for the 7 day period. Very intense downpours occurred, especially in Southcentral sections where 4 to 6 inches of rainfall was reported. Seasonably warm temperatures dominated the first half of the workweek with cooler temperatures for the remainder of the week. Temperatures for the past week averaged 77 degrees across the state which was 1 degree above normal. High temperatures averaged from 88 in the West to 84 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 1 degree below normal in the West to 2 degrees below normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 70 degrees in the West to 68 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. Extreme high and low temperatures ranged in the low 90's and low 60's. Rainfall for the week totaled 1.71 inches statewide which was 0.66 inches above normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 1.02 inches, Central 1.28 inches, Bluegrass 2.56 inches and East 1.99 inches, which was 0.09, 0.17, 1.51 and 0.86 inches respectively above normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.00 inches at Paducah to a high of 4.60 inches at Somerset. --- Kentucky Crop Weather Release Date, Week Ending Date Week ending July 7, 2003 Issued 4:00 P.M., July 7, 2003 TNS 15-03 AGRICULTURAL NEWS: Heavy rains and severe storms hit the southeast part of th e Stat e in the early part of the week, but statewide rainfall was 0.52 inches below normal for the week. Temperatures were 1 degree above normal which combined to dry out topsoils. Farmers were able to get into their fields most of the week. Days suitable for fieldwork averaged 6.0 out of a p ossible seven days. Topsoil moisture as of Friday, July 4 was rated 1 percent very short, 21 percent short, 72 percent adequate and 6 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 9 percent short, 84 percent adequate and 7 percent surplus. CORN: There were mixed reports about corn condition, but most were weather related. Generally most farmers seem optimistic ab out p otential yields if rainfall remains adequate. Some yellowing was reported in those areas that needed rain. The emerged corn was in fair to good condition, with 1 percent very poor, 7 percent poor, 25 percent fair, 43 percent good, and 24 percent excellent. Corn silked or silking was reported at 50 percent. SOYBEANS: Emerged soybeans were being side dressed. Because of the rapid pace of the winter wheat harvest farmers were able to plant double-crop beans this past week. As of Sunday, July 6, about 96 percent of the crop had been planted, compared with 99 percent a year ago, and ahead of the 5 year average of 100 percent. Fifty-seven percent of intended planted acreage had emerged, compared with 55 percent a year ago, and the average of 82 percent. Condition of emerged soybeans was rated 1 percent very poor, 3 percent poor, 21 percent fair, 51 percent good, and 24 percent excellent. Soybeans reported as blooming was at 5 percent. TOBACCO: There were some reports of blue mold and manganese toxicity, but the prevailing concern seems to be the appearance of black shank. There were reports from the eastern part of the State of tobacco just being set due to wet conditions. As of Sunday, July 6, the condition of set tobacco was reported as 1 percent very poor, 11 percent poor, 32 percent fair, 44 percent good, and 12 percent excellent. Tobacco height was reported at 59 percent under 12 inches tall, 32 percent between 12 and 24 inches, and 9 percent over 24 inches high. SMALL GRAINS: Wheat harvesting was a primary activity in the western half of the State. Wheat combining was 92 percent complete compared with 67 percent completed a year ago and the average of 93 percent. Yields appear better than expected even though there is some docking due to head scab. There was some reports of 90 bushel wheat in the far western part of the State. OTHER CROPS: Hay baling has been a major activity during the past week. A lot of hay was overly mature and of poor quality. Pastures remain in good to excellent condition and were rated 1 percent very poor, 4 percent poor, 19 percent fair, 54 percent good and 22 percent excellent. Kentucky Weather Summary: For the Period June 30, to July 6, 2003 Slightly Above Normal Temperatures and Below Normal Rainfall: The remnants of Tropical Storm Bill provided a glancing blow to the Commonwealth during the first half of the workweek with southeast sections receiving locally heavy rainfall and severe storms. State to the south and east received the heaviest rainfall. Otherwise it was a summer-like weather pattern for the state with daily scattered showers and thunderstorms for most of the week. Temperatures for this past week averaged 77 degrees across the state which was 1 degree above normal and 5 degrees warmer than the previous week. High temperatures averaged from 88 in the West to 84 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 1 degree below normal in the West to 2 degrees below normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 68 degrees in the West to 66 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 3 degrees above normal in the West to 2 degrees above normal in the East. Extreme high and low temperatures were in the low 90's and low to mid 60's respectively. The accumulation of growing degree days for corn (Base 50-mod.) totaled 165 gdd's which was right at normal (98%). Rainfall for the period totaled 0.52 inches statewide which was 0.52 inches below normal. Rainfall totals by climate division, West 0.26 inches, Central 0.58 inches, Bluegrass 0.27 inches and East 0.95 inches, which was 0.66, 0.49, 0.77 and 0.15 inches respectively below normal. By station, rainfall totals ranged from a low of 0.00 inches at Lexington to a high of 3.07 inches at Nashville. --- ky-crop-weather State Kentucky Crop Weather Release Date, Week Ending Date Week ending June 30, 2003 Issued 4:00 P.M., June 30, 2003 JMB 14-03 AGRICULTURAL NEWS: Farmers saw sunshine throughout the week, allowing them to get into their fields for most of the week. This is a welcomed change from all of the rain we have received over the past months. Days suitable for fieldwork averaged 5.9 out of a possible seven. Topsoil moisture as of Friday, June 27 was rated 1 percent short, 91 percent adequate, and 8 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 1 percent short, 89 percent adequate, and 10 percent surplus. CORN: The corn mostly looks good, although behind last year and the 5 year average in growth. Corn tasseling is at 25 percent as of Sunday, June 29, compared to 42 percent last year, and 40 percent for the 5 year average. Corn silking is at 11 percent, compared to 28 percent last year, and 25 percent for the 5 year average. The condition of the corn improved this week, with 1 percent very poor, 4 percent poor, 22 percent fair, 60 percent good, and 13 percent excellent. SOYBEANS: The sunshine allowed farmers to finish planting much of the remaining single crop soybeans and to plant double crop beans as wheat combining progresses. As of Sunday, June 29, about 82 percent of the crop had been planted, compared with 96 percent a year ago, and behind the 5 year average of 89 percent. Fifty-five percent of the intended soybean acres have emerged, compared with 76 percent last year, and 80 percent for the 5 year average. Average height of the emerged plants were 7.0 inches. Condition of emerged soybeans also improved and was rated 1 percent very poor, 2 percent poor, 25 percent fair, 60 percent good, and 12 percent excellent. TOBACCO: The good weather allowed farmers to catch up on setting or resetting their tobacco. There where a few reports of disease or other problems with the tobacco, otherwise the tobacco looks good. The condition of set tobacco was reported as 1 percent very poor, 6 percent poor, 30 percent fair, 55 percent good, and 8 percent excellent. Tobacco plant growth was behind last year with 68 percent under 12 inches tall, 25 percent between 12 and 24 inches, and 7 percent over 24 inches high. SMALL GRAINS: Small grain harvest was in full swing with little or no rain for the entire week. Barley harvest was at 96 percent complete, compared with 99 percent completed last year and the average of 98 percent. Wheat harvest was 67 percent complete compared with 92 percent completed a year ago and the average of 84 percent. Farmers reported the wheat yields and test weights were better than expected, despite the delayed harvest. OTHER CROPS: Clipping pastures and the cutting and baling hay were one of the many farm activities this week. Pastures remain in good to excellent condition and were rated, 2 percent poor, 18 percent fair, 55 percent good, and 25 percent excellent. Grain sorghum planted was 98 percent complete, compared to 94 percent last year, and 86 percent for the average. Kentucky Climate Summary: For the Period June 23 to 29, 2003 BELOW NORMAL TEMPERATURES AND BELOW NORMAL RAINFALL: Cooler and drier conditions dominated Kentucky weather this past week which was a significant change from the very wet conditions of the past 3 months. Mid-week high temperatures approached the 90's in Central and Eastern sections and exceeded 90 degrees in Western sections of the state. Cooler than normal temperatures occurred for the remainder of the week and light-to-moderate rainfall occurred during the end of the workweek. Preliminary analysis indicated this week wraps up the 8th wettest June and the 3rd wettest April, May and June in the past 108 years of record. Temperatures for the period averaged 72 degrees across the state which was 2 degrees below normal but 2 degrees warmer than the previous. Last week was the 7 week straight with below normal temperatures. High temperatures averaged from 86 in the West to 83 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 2 degrees below normal in the West to 2 degrees below normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 60 degrees in the West to 60 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 5 degrees below normal in the West to 4 degrees below normal in the East. Rainfall for the period totaled 0.43 inches statewide which was 0.46 inches below normal which was nearly 50 percent of normal rainfall and followed three weeks with above normal rainfall. Rainfall totals by climate division, West 0.38 inches, Central 0.72 inches, Bluegrass 0.37 inches and East 0.26 inches, which was 0.48, 0.20, 0.51 and 0.66 inches respectively below normal. By station, rainfall totals ranged from a low of 0.00 inches at Henderson to a high of 1.10 inches at Bowling Green. --- ky-crop-weather State Kentucky Crop Weather Release Date, Week Ending Date Week ending June 22, 2003 Issue KY-CW2503 Agricultural Summary Excessive rains fell across the State, causing 17 counties in central and eastern Kentucky to be hit with mudslides and flash floods. The western part of the State received little rain, but the fields are still very wet. Farmers were able to get into their fields towards the end of the week. Days suitable for fieldwork averaged 2.6 out of a possible seven. Topsoil moisture as of Friday, June 20 was rated 39 percent adequate and 61 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 45 percent adequate and 55 percent surplus. Field Crops Report CORN: There are some fields that are starting to see increased corn borer activity. Farmers began side dressing the crop. The early planted corn crop is starting to tassel. The emerged corn was in fair to good condition, with 3 percent very poor, 10 percent poor, 31 percent fair, 38 percent good, and 18 percent excellent. Some low lying fields were drowned out. SOYBEANS: Emerged soybeans were being side dressed. Single crop soybeans are being replanted this week. With the delay of the winter wheat harvest, double crop soybeans planting will be pushed back into July. As of Sunday, June 22, about 58 percent of the crop had been planted, compared with 85 percent a year ago, and behind the 5 yr average of 79 percent. Forty-four percent of intended planted acreage had emerged, compared with 68 percent a year ago, and the average of 72 percent. Average height of emerged plants was 4 inches. Condition of emerged soybeans was rated 3 percent very poor, 5 percent poor, 32 percent fair, 51 percent good, and 9 percent excellent. TOBACCO: Disease and insect problems have emerged due to the continued wet weather. Some fields and low lying areas of tobacco were drowned out. As of Sunday, June 22, 77 percent of the intended burley acreage had been set, compared with 88 percent a year ago and the average of 91 percent. Dark tobacco acreage was 93 percent set, comparable to last year and the 5 year average of 94 percent. Concerns about the availability of transplants in some areas are increasing. Condition of set tobacco was reported as 2 percent very poor, 9 percent poor, 40 percent fair, 39 percent good, and 10 percent excellent. Tobacco plant growth lagged due to the cold, wet weather with 81 percent under 12 inches tall, 17 percent between 12 and 24 inches, and 2 percent over 24 inches high. SMALL GRAINS: Small grain harvest restarted with little or no rain at the end of the week. Barley harvest was at 93 percent complete, compared with 98 percent completed last year and the average of 96 percent. Wheat harvest was 24 percent complete compared with 67 percent completed a year ago and the average of 56 percent. Yields and test weights declined due to the delayed harvest and wet conditions. Livestock, Pasture and Range Report Most of the hay has been rained on, and a lot of the first cut hay has been lost or damaged. Twenty-five percent of the second alfalfa cutting has been completed. Pastures remain in good to excellent condition and were rated 1 percent very poor, 3 percent poor, 15 percent fair, 45 percent good and 36 percent excellent. Grain sorghum planted was 90 percent complete, compared to 86 percent last year, and 78 percent for the average. Weather Summary ABOVE NORMAL PRECIPITATION AND BELOW NORMAL TEMPERATURES: The third week in a row with above normal rainfall amounts for the State was punctuated by the arrival of a much drier airmass, and a very welcome high pressure system by Friday. Rainfall and cloud cover early in the week, worked to keep temperatures well below normal seasonal levels, but the arrival of the first day of summer, was welcomed by the dissipation of cloud cover thanks to the afore-mentioned high pressure center, and thus the arrival of plentiful amounts of sunshine, and much warmer temperatures by week's end. Temperatures for the period averaged 70 degrees across the State which was 4 degrees below normal. High temperatures averaged from 83 in the West to 78 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 5 degrees below normal in the West to 6 degrees below normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 61 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 3 degrees below normal in the East. Extreme temperatures for the week were 48 and 89 at London and Paducah, respectively. Rainfall for the period totaled 1.09 inches statewide which was 0.19 inches above normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 0.18 inches, Central 1.29 inches, Bluegrass 0.88 inches and East 1.99 inches, which was -0.67, +0.38, +0.01 and +1.07 inches respectively from normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.02 inches at Henderson to a high of 3.61 inches at Quicksand. Weather Information Table =============================================== | | | | Rainfall | Dev. From | |=================|==============| | Since Last| Norm Norm | Weather |Last April Four| Since Last | Station |Week 1 Wks.| Apr 1 4 Wks.| =============================================== (Inches) Bardstown 0.66 17.79 4.45 +6.76 +0.90 Berea 0.42 17.93 7.46 +5.96 +3.63 Bowling Gree 3.01 18.52 8.05 +6.20 +4.04 Bristol 3.60 18.00 6.56 +8.20 +3.21 Buckhorn Lak 1.63 19.20 7.94 +8.30 +4.10 Cape Girarde 0.00 17.78 4.61 +5.62 +1.06 Campbellsvil 1.84 17.12 6.59 +4.14 +2.53 Covington 0.03 11.49 3.09 +0.64 -0.55 Cumberland G 2.41 18.38 5.77 +6.37 +1.72 Dix Dam 1.37 18.75 6.50 +7.10 +2.89 Evansville 0.01 12.16 2.47 +0.83 -1.01 Glasgow 2.33 17.36 7.12 +4.38 +2.77 Grayson 1.64 18.95 6.44 +8.24 +2.80 Hardinsburg 0.00 16.50 3.83 +4.54 +0.11 Henderson 0.02 16.45 4.65 +4.86 +0.99 Huntington 1.71 18.71 6.06 +8.14 +2.52 Jackson 1.12 17.98 8.34 +6.60 +4.67 Lexington 1.71 18.70 6.60 +7.67 +3.05 London 1.87 19.31 7.42 +8.48 +3.94 Louisville 0.08 16.26 2.70 +4.87 -0.73 Mayfield 0.48 14.59 3.84 +2.06 +0.40 Nashville 0.29 14.31 3.13 +2.44 -0.43 Nolin Lake 1.68 17.51 5.92 +4.63 +1.98 Paducah 0.46 16.74 4.57 +3.82 +0.64 Princeton 0.13 16.83 5.28 +4.25 +1.50 Quicksand 3.61 23.77 12.55 +12.39 +8.88 Somerset 1.89 21.95 10.17 +9.42 +6.08 Spindletop 1.18 14.55 5.18 +3.52 +1.63 Williamstown 0.60 11.62 3.46 +0.30 -0.16 =============================================== =============================================== | | Growing | Air Temperature | Degree Days |=================|=============== | Dev.| Since Dev. Weather | Wkly. From|Last Apr Since Station |Hi Lo Avg. Norm|Week 1 Apr 1 =============================================== (Degrees F) Bardstown 84 49 70.7 -3 144 1194 -55 Berea 82 50 70.3 -3 141 1212 -68 Bowling Gree 85 52 71.7 -2 150 1299 -3 Bristol 80 49 68.5 -5 129 1151 -15 Buckhorn Lak 81 49 68.7 -4 131 1161 +39 Cape Girarde 87 51 71.6 -4 149 1251 -104 Campbellsvil 85 49 71.5 -3 149 1304 +46 Covington 82 49 68.2 -5 126 1008 -106 Cumberland G 81 50 69.8 -3 138 1203 +59 Dix Dam 82 50 70.1 -3 141 1184 -65 Evansville 86 51 72.5 -3 156 1176 -96 Glasgow 88 50 72.7 -1 156 1377 +157 Grayson 82 50 68.1 -5 124 1129 +68 Hardinsburg 84 50 70.5 -4 141 1224 -78 Henderson 84 51 70.9 -5 146 1243 -59 Huntington 83 50 67.9 -5 122 1122 -22 Jackson 81 49 68.1 -5 126 1112 -10 Lexington 82 50 69.3 -4 133 1113 -23 London 81 48 69.7 -3 138 1146 +2 Louisville 83 52 70.3 -4 139 1183 -89 Mayfield 82 50 70.2 -6 141 1190 -173 Nashville 84 57 73.1 -1 161 1370 -15 Nolin Lake 85 51 71.5 -3 148 1294 +89 Paducah 89 52 72.9 -3 156 1297 -58 Princeton 86 52 72.2 -4 154 1311 -21 Quicksand 81 49 68.4 -5 127 1172 +50 Somerset 83 48 70.1 -3 140 1217 -10 Spindletop 81 51 68.5 -5 129 1077 -59 Williamstown 84 50 69.6 -4 136 1153 +17 ================================================= Crop Progress Table This Prev. 5-Yr. Week Yr. Avg. Soybeans Planted 58 85 79 Emerged 44 68 72 Sorghum Planted 90 86 78 Barley Harvested 93 98 96 Wheat Harvested 24 67 56 Burley Tobacco Set 77 88 91 Dark Tobacco Set 93 94 94 Crop Condition Table Very Poor Poor Fair Good Exc. Corn 3 13 29 39 16 Soybeans 2 7 35 47 9 Wheat 1 13 34 34 18 Pasture 0 2 12 56 30 Set Tobacco 1 11 32 45 11 --- ky-crop-weather State Kentucky Crop Weather Release Date, Week Ending Date Week ending June 15, 2003 Issue KY-CW2403 Agricultural Summary Rain shut down most field activities this week. Rainfall for the week ranged from 1 to 6 inches and averaged 2.58 inches statewide. Temperatures were slightly below normal making five consecutive weeks of below normal temperatures. Days suitable for fieldwork averaged only 1.9 out of a possible seven. Heavy rains caused ponding in fields along with some erosion problems. A few fields have been planted twice and have been drowned out again. Some corn fields will not be replanted while a few producers may be able to shift acreage to sorghum. Topsoil moisture as of Friday, June 13 was rated 25 percent adequate and 75 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 36 percent adequate and 64 percent surplus. The continued wet weather stopped small grain and hay harvest and raised concerns that some tobacco may not be set this year. Field Crops Report CORN: Heavy rains produced standing water in corn fields again this week. About 94 percent of the planted acreage had emerged, compared with 97 percent for both last year and the average. Emerged corn was in fair to good condition, with 3 percent very poor, 13 percent poor, 29 percent fair, 39 percent good and 16 percent excellent. Rain has made weed control difficult. Excess moisture has caused nitrogen leaching with some corn turning yellow. SOYBEANS: Very few soybeans were planted this week. Rain stopped the small grain harvest which is delaying seeding of double crop beans. The soybean crop remains one to two weeks behind normal. As of Sunday, June 15, about 54 percent of the crop had been seeded, compared with 65 percent a year ago, and behind the average of 70 percent. Only 39 percent of planted acreage had emerged, compared with 54 percent a year ago, and the average of 59. Average height of emerged plants was 3 inches. Condition of emerged soybeans was rated 2 percent very poor, 7 percent poor, 35 percent fair, 47 percent good, and 9 percent excellent. TOBACCO: Wet soils made transplanting tobacco difficult this week. As of Sunday, June 15, 65 percent of the intended burley acreage had been set, compared with 85 percent a year ago and the average of 87 percent. Dark tobacco acreage was 85 percent set. Concerns about the availability of transplants are increasing. Controlling size and quality of plants in plant beds is becoming a major problem. Disease and pest problems are starting to show up. Condition of set tobacco was reported as 1 percent very poor, 11 percent poor, 32 percent fair, 45 percent good, and 11 percent excellent. Tobacco plants showed little growth this week with 91 percent under 12 inches tall, and 9 percent over 12 inches high. SMALL GRAINS: Small grain harvest made very little progress due to the wet weather. Barley harvest remained at 55 percent complete, compared with 92 percent completed last year and the average of 83. Wheat harvest was 6 percent complete compared with 17 percent completed a year ago and the average of 21. Lodging is starting to become a problem in wet fields. Head scab and fusarium wilt may affect yield and quality. As of Friday, June 13, wheat condition was reported as 1 percent very poor, 13 percent poor, 34 percent fair, 34 percent good and 18 percent excellent. Livestock, Pasture and Range Report Producers are looking for ways to conserve the first cutting of hay. Wrapping bales in plastic and making haylage are some of the methods used. Much hay cut has been rained on. If producers were not able to remove the hay, second crop growth will be slowed. Pastures remain in good to excellent condition and were rated 2 percent poor, 12 percent fair, 56 percent good and 30 percent excellent. Grain sorghum planting was 56 percent complete by the end of the week. Weather Summary BELOW NORMAL TEMPERATURES AND ABOVE NORMAL RAINFALL: Much above normal rainfall for the second week in a row, as a potent frontal system approached the area by Wednesday, and lingered through the weekend. This week's rainfall not only brought further delays to field work, but also brought the State's rainfall total to 17.71 inches from April 1st through June 15th. Even with no more rain through the end of June, this April, May, and June would be ranked as the 7th wettest on record, but with more rain expected over the next couple of weeks, this number is expected to change. Temperatures for the period averaged 72 degrees across the State which was 1 degree below normal, making it 8 degrees warmer than the previous week, but the fifth week in a row with below normal temperatures. High temperatures averaged from 81 in the West to 80 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 6 degrees below normal in the West to 2 degrees below 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 1 degree above normal in the West to 1 degree above normal in the East. Extreme highs and lows for the period were 87 and 42, at Glasgow and Berea, respectively. Rainfall for the period totaled 2.58 inches statewide which was 1.69 inches above normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 3.33 inches, Central 2.07 inches, Bluegrass 1.86 inches and East 3.05 inches, which was 2.47, 1.15, 0.99 and 2.13 inches, respectively, above normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.76 inches at Spindletop to a high of 5.99 inches at Quicksand. Weather Information Table =============================================== | | | | Rainfall | Dev. From | |=================|==============| | Since Last| Norm Norm | Weather |Last April Four| Since Last | Station |Week 1 Wks.| Apr 1 4 Wks.| =============================================== (Inches) Bardstown 1.25 17.13 4.75 +6.95 +1.05 Berea 4.44 17.51 7.68 +6.46 +3.69 Bowling Gree 3.20 15.51 5.54 +4.17 +1.38 Bristol 1.43 14.40 3.84 +5.43 +0.43 Buckhorn Lak 3.50 17.57 6.79 +7.63 +2.99 Cape Girarde 3.46 17.78 5.64 +6.42 +1.73 Campbellsvil 2.26 15.28 5.46 +3.27 +1.20 Covington 1.34 11.46 3.48 +1.51 -0.23 Cumberland G 1.74 15.97 4.01 +4.95 -0.14 Dix Dam 2.32 17.38 6.07 +6.58 +2.25 Evansville 1.43 12.15 3.38 +1.64 -0.36 Glasgow 1.57 15.03 5.25 +3.12 +0.83 Grayson 1.45 17.31 5.48 +7.50 +1.77 Hardinsburg 2.59 16.50 4.57 +5.43 +0.63 Henderson 3.64 16.43 5.83 +5.72 +2.03 Huntington 0.99 17.00 4.58 +7.29 +0.94 Jackson 4.10 16.86 7.48 +6.37 +3.69 Lexington 1.38 16.99 5.75 +6.81 +2.05 London 2.91 17.44 5.83 +7.45 +2.23 Louisville 1.37 16.18 3.40 +5.60 -0.27 Mayfield 2.95 14.11 4.36 +2.37 +0.57 Nashville 1.30 14.02 3.34 +2.98 -0.49 Nolin Lake 2.45 15.83 4.81 +3.86 +0.55 Paducah 3.78 16.28 5.34 +4.31 +1.24 Princeton 4.71 16.70 6.05 +5.02 +2.04 Quicksand 5.99 20.16 10.00 +9.67 +6.21 Somerset 3.72 20.06 9.74 +8.52 +5.49 Spindletop 0.76 13.37 5.05 +3.19 +1.35 Williamstown 0.94 11.02 3.77 +0.57 +0.04 =============================================== =============================================== | | Growing | Air Temperature | Degree Days |=================|=============== | Dev.| Since Dev. Weather | Wkly. From|Last Apr Since Station |Hi Lo Avg. Norm|Week 1 Apr 1 =============================================== (Degrees F) Bardstown 82 56 71.5 -1 149 1050 -45 Berea 82 42 67.1 -5 120 1071 -55 Bowling Gree 86 54 72.9 +0 158 1149 +8 Bristol 87 54 71.4 -1 148 1022 +3 Buckhorn Lak 81 55 71.4 -1 149 1030 +41 Cape Girarde 85 52 73.1 -2 160 1102 -85 Campbellsvil 84 49 71.0 -2 146 1155 +44 Covington 81 56 70.1 -2 139 882 -92 Cumberland G 84 54 71.8 -0 150 1065 +61 Dix Dam 82 52 69.9 -2 136 1043 -52 Evansville 82 58 73.0 -2 160 1020 -91 Glasgow 87 52 73.1 +0 160 1221 +155 Grayson 82 55 71.6 -0 149 1005 +77 Hardinsburg 84 57 72.3 -1 153 1083 -58 Henderson 82 59 72.6 -2 157 1097 -44 Huntington 83 55 71.6 -0 149 1000 -4 Jackson 81 56 71.6 -0 150 986 -3 Lexington 82 55 71.6 -0 150 980 -9 London 82 52 70.9 -1 145 1008 +4 Louisville 83 58 72.3 -1 154 1044 -67 Mayfield 82 55 71.8 -3 151 1049 -153 Nashville 85 57 73.8 +1 165 1209 -8 Nolin Lake 84 54 72.6 -0 156 1146 +81 Paducah 85 55 73.0 -2 159 1141 -46 Princeton 85 53 71.9 -3 152 1157 -14 Quicksand 81 56 71.6 -0 149 1045 +56 Somerset 83 51 71.3 -1 148 1077 -3 Spindletop 81 58 71.9 -0 151 948 -41 Williamstown 85 54 72.1 +0 152 1017 +28 ================================================= Crop Progress Table This Prev. 5-Yr. Week Yr. Avg. Corn Emerged 94 97 97 Soybeans Planted 54 65 70 Emerged 39 54 59 Sorghum Planted 56 69 70 Barley Harvested 55 92 83 Wheat Harvested 6 17 21 Burley Tobacco Set 65 85 87 Dark Tobacco Set 85 89 89 Crop Condition Table Very Poor Poor Fair Good Exc. Corn 3 13 29 39 16 Soybeans 2 7 35 47 9 Wheat 1 13 34 34 18 Pasture 0 2 12 56 30 Set Tobacco 1 11 32 45 11 --- Issued 4:00 P.M., June 9, 2003 RPT 11-03 AGRICULTURAL NEWS: Temperatures were below normal for the fourth consecutive week. Crops made good progress in Western Kentucky where moisture totals were below average. Central and Eastern Kentucky had above normal rainfall which delayed planting and hampered crop progress. Whenever possible, farmers were setting tobacco, planting corn and soybeans, and putting up hay. Days suitable for fieldwork averaged 3.5 out of a possible seven. Topsoil moisture as of Friday, June 6 was rated 1 percent short, 55 percent adequate and 44 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 1 percent short, 57 percent adequate and 42 percent surplus. Rain has limited the effectiveness of weed control measures. Hay making remains difficult with repeated rain. A week of warm and dry conditions would be most welcome. CORN: Corn planting progressed to 94 percent completed by Sunday, June 8, compared with 96 percent a year ago and the five-year average of 98. About 86 percent of the planted acreage had emerged, compared with 90 percent a year ago, and the average of 93 percent. Emerged corn was in fair to good condition, with 3 percent very poor, 9 percent poor, 30 percent fair, 41 percent good and 17 percent excellent. Height of the most advanced fields averaged 35 inches statewide, while average height of emerged corn was 20 inches. Some corn drowned out in low lying areas may be replanted, and some fields may be switched to sorghum. A few producers may not be able to plant their corn. SOYBEANS: Soybean planting progressed well in western areas, but was slow where producers were concentrating on getting corn planted and tobacco set. The soybean crop is one to two weeks behind normal. As of Sunday, June 8, about 44 percent of the crop had been seeded, compared with 54 percent a year ago, but well behind the average of 65 percent. Only 23 percent of planted acreage had emerged, compared with 39 percent a year ago, and the average of 50. Condition of emerged soybeans was rated 2 percent poor, 32 percent fair, 48 percent good, and 18 percent excellent. TOBACCO: As of Sunday, June 8, 60 percent of the intended burley acreage had been set, compared with 73 percent a year ago and the average of 78 percent. Dark tobacco acreage was 80 percent set, compared with 78 percent last year and the average of 64. Controlling size and quality of plants in plant beds is difficult. The availability of transplants is becoming a concern. Disease and pest problems remain minor except in a few areas. Condition of set tobacco was reported as 5 percent poor, 26 percent fair, 54 percent good, and 15 percent excellent. Most tobacco plants remain small with 94 percent under 12 inches tall, and 6 percent over 12 inches high. SMALL GRAINS: Barley harvest is in full swing with 55 percent of the harvest complete, compared with 47 percent completed for both last year and the average. Wheat harvest is just beginning with 6 percent of the crop harvested. Some areas are concerned that head scab may affect yield and quality. As of Friday, June 6, wheat condition was reported as 2 percent very poor, 12 percent poor, 30 percent fair, 36 percent good and 20 percent excellent. OTHER CROPS: Hay making was slow due to continued poor curing conditions. Almost all hay is too mature for optimum quality. Hay baled too wet is heating up and mold is also a concern. Pastures remain in good to excellent condition and were rated 2 percent poor, 11 percent fair, 52 percent good and 35 percent excellent. Grain sorghum planting was in full swing during the week with 54 percent of intended acres planted. Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period June 2 to June 8, 2003 BELOW NORMAL TEMPERATURES AND ABOVE NORMAL PRECIPITATION Weekly temperatures were held below normal across the state with the help of cloud cover, rainfall, and the passage of two cold fronts - one early in the week, and one into the weekend. Between the two fronts, temperatures managed to return to near normal levels by mid-week, before dipping slightly again into the weekend with the passage of the second front. Heavier rainfall amounts in association with this week's systems fell in central and eastern sections of the state, leaving the western sections of the state with below normal rainfall amounts. Temperatures for the period averaged 64 degrees across the state which was 7 degrees below normal, and was 1 degree warmer than the previous week. It was also the fourth week in a row with below normal temperatures. High temperatures averaged from 74 in the West to 73 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 11 degrees below normal in the West to 8 degrees below normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 56 degrees in the West to 54 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 6 degrees below normal in the West to 6 degrees below normal in the East. Extreme temperatures for the week were 84 and 42 in Glasgow and London, respectively. Rainfall for the past week totaled 1.62 inches statewide which was 0.72 inches above normal, and followed two weeks of below normal rainfall. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 0.56 inches, Central 1.79 inches, Bluegrass 2.10 inches and East 2.02 inches, which was -0.30, +0.87, +1.23 and +1.10 inches respectively from normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.19 inches at Princeton to a high of 3.16 inches at Lexington. --- Kentucky Crop Weather Issued 4:00 P.M., June 2, 2003 RPT 10-03 AGRICULTURAL NEWS: A few areas of Kentucky dried out enough to plant corn and soybeans and set tobacco at the end of the week. Cloud cover and the third straight week of below normal temperatures left some soils too wet for planting crops, especially in low lying areas. Most areas are experiencing problems with hay harvest as the crop is well past optimal maturity and curing conditions have been poor. The planting season is more than a week behind normal. Days suitable for fieldwork averaged 3.5 out of a possible seven. A few fields damaged by floods and storms will need to be replanted. Topsoil moisture as of Friday, May 30 was rated 57 percent adequate and 43 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 1 percent short, 58 percent adequate and 41 percent surplus. CORN: Corn planting progressed to 86 percent completed by Sunday, June 1, compared with 77 percent a year ago and the five-year average of 92. About 80 percent of the planted acreage had emerged, compared with 63 percent a year ago, and the average of 84 percent. Emerged corn was in fair to good condition, with 3 percent very poor, 11 percent poor, 33 percent fair, 41 percent good and 12 percent excellent. Height of the most advanced fields averaged 25 inches statewide, while average height of emerged corn was 14 inches. SOYBEANS: Soybean planting progress was slow as producers planted corn and set tobacco when possible. As of Sunday, June 1, about 23 percent of the crop had been seeded, the same as last year, but well behind the average of 52 percent. Only 14 percent of planted acreage had emerged, compared with 13 percent a year ago, and behind the average of 38. Condition of emerged soybeans was rated 4 percent poor, 42 percent fair, 45 percent good, and 9 percent excellent. TOBACCO: As of Sunday, June 1, 41 percent of the intended burley acreage had been set compared with 52 percent a year ago and the average of 61 percent. Dark tobacco acreage was 56 percent set, compared with 41 percent last year and the average of 61. Controlling size and quality of plants in plant beds is becoming very difficult. Some producers are concerned about the quality and availability of transplants. Disease and pest problems seem to be minor except in a few areas. Condition of set tobacco was reported as 5 percent poor, 25 percent fair, 56 percent good, and 14 percent excellent. SMALL GRAINS: Barley harvest is underway with 12 percent of the harvest complete. Wheat harvest is expected to begin next week. Water damage had been reported in a few areas, along with some concern that head scab may affec t yield and quality. As of Friday, May 30, wheat condition was reported as 2 percent very poor, 7 percent poor, 22 percent fair, 49 percent good and 20 percent excellent. OTHER CROPS: Hay harvest made slow progress due to poor curing conditions. The quality of the crop is a major concern as much of cut hay has been rained on. Some producers are wrapping bales to keep them dry or making haylage. Condition of the hay crops was reported as 1 percent very poor, 4 percent poor, 15 percent fair, 54 percent good and 26 percent excellent. Pasture s were in good to excellent condition and were rated 2 percent poor, 11 percent fair, 54 percent good and 30 percent excellent. Grain sorghum planting was in full swing during the week with 32 percent of intended acres planted. --- Kentucky Climate Summary: For the Period May 26 to June 01, 2003 BELOW NORMAL TEMPERATURES AND BELOW NORMAL RAINFALL: The second week with below normal rainfall and the 3rd week of May with below normal temperatures. For the month, however...statewide rainfall totals ranked May 2003 as the 8th wettest May on record for the Commonwealth. And, after a very wet April...the combined rainfall for the 2 month period ranked as the 5th wettest April and May on record. Rain statewide at mid-week delayed field activities once again. However, total rainfall amounts with the system were not overwhelming, and dry conditions late in the week provided some opportunity to dry out soils for the central and western sections of the state. Northern and Eastern sections of the state saw another shot of rain by the weekend. An upper-level trough, which helped to bring the rainfall to the area through the week, also brought (along with plenty of cloudcover) unseasonably cool temperatures to the region for the third week in a row. Temperatures for the period averaged 63 degrees across the state which was 7 degrees below normal. High temperatures averaged from 75 in the West to 70 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 9 degrees below normal in the West to 9 degrees below normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 53 degrees in the West to 53 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 7 degrees below normal in the West to 6 degrees below normal in the East. Extreme temperatures for the week were 81 and 43 at Glasgow and Henderson, respectively. Rainfall for the period totaled 0.40 inches statewide which was 0.64 inches below normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 0.17 inches, Central 0.19 inches, Bluegrass 0.53 inches and East 0.69 inches, which was 0.90, 0.89, 0.47 and 0.30 inches respectively below normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.01 inches at Mayfield to a high of 1.00 inches at Jackson. --- Issued 4:00 P.M., May 27, 2003 JAO 9-03 AGRICULTURAL NEWS: Farmers were anxious to get into their fields as the wet weather continued to put them behind schedule. Temperatures for the period averaged 62 degrees, 6 degrees below normal and 3 degrees cooler than the previous week. Rainfall totaled 0.78 inches statewide, which was 0.28 inches below normal. The main farming activities included cutting hay, equipment maintenance, and field preparation where possible. Topsoil moisture , as of Friday, May 23, was rated 34 percent adequate and 66 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture , was rated 54 percent adequate, and 46 percent surplus. Days suitable for fieldwork averaged 1.9 out of a possible 7 days. SMALL GRAINS: As of Friday, May 23, wheat condition was rated 1 percent very poor, 9 percent poor, 31 percent fair, 39 percent good, and 20 percent excellent. Farmers continued to report increased grain lodging and disease due to the wet weather. The earliest date farmers expect wheat harvest to begin is June 16th. Harvest of the barley crop is expected to begin around June 4th. TOBACCO: Farmers were setting their burley and dark tobacco as soil conditions permitted. As of Sunday, May 25, burley tobacco set was 24 percent, 4 percent behind the previous year, and 17 percent behind average. Dark tobacco was 28 percent set, 4 percent ahead of the previous year, and 16 percent behind average. Condition of crop was 5 percent very poor, 2 percent poor, 27 percent fair, 50 percent good, and 16 percent excellent. Some farmers are still having to mow their tobacco transplants due to its height and their inability to set plants. CORN AND SOYBEANS: Planting progress continued to be hampered last week by rainfall and flooded field conditions. As of Sunday, May 25, farmers had planted 84 percent of their intended corn acreage, 16 percent ahead of last year, and 4 percent behind average. Emerged corn was 76 percent, compared to 57 percent last year and the five year average of 76 percent. Average emerged corn height was 11 inches with the most advanced fields 18 inches tall. As of Friday, the corn emerged condition rated 1 percent very poor, 10 percent poor, 32 percent fair, 40 percent good and 17 percent excellent. Soybeans were 15 percent planted, 1 percent ahead of last year, and 24 percent behind average. Eight percent of the crop had emerged. OTHER CROPS: Farmers continued to be unable to harvest hay due to excess moisture. Hay crop condition was 1 percent very poor, 5 percent poor, 20 percent fair, 48 percent good, and 26 percent excellent. Pasture condition was rated 1 percent very poor, 2 percent poor, 13 percent fair, 53 percent good, and 31 percent excellent. Grain sorghum was 9 percent planted, compared to 14 percent last year, and the five year average of 40 percent. Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period May 19 to May 25, 2003 BELOW NORMAL TEMPERATURES AND BELOW NORMAL RAINFALL: Temperatures for the period averaged 62 degrees across the state which was 6 degrees below normal. High temperatures averaged from 71 in the West to 69 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 11 degrees below normal in the West to 8 degrees below normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 54 degrees in the West to 55 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 0.78 inches statewide which was 0.28 inches below normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 1.01 inches, Central 0.67 inches, Bluegrass 0.80 inches and East 0.64 inches, which was 0.10, 0.44, 0.22 and 0.37 inches respectively below normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.23 inches at Huntington to a high of 1.46 inches at Somerset. ================================================================================ | | | | Growing | Rainfall | Dev. From | Air Temperature | Degree Days |=================|==============|=================|=============== | Since Last| Norm Norm | Dev.| Since Dev. Weather |Last April Four| Since Last | Wkly. From|Last Apr Since Station |Week 1 Wks.| Apr 1 4 Wks.|Hi Lo Avg. Norm|Week 1 Apr 1 ================================================================================ (Inches) (Degrees F) Bardstown 0.96 13.34 7.61 +5.86 +3.62 73 45 61.2 -7 80 711 +36 Berea 0.64 10.47 6.22 +2.33 +1.91 78 45 64.1 -3 100 762 +62 Bowling Gree 0.50 10.47 5.24 +2.17 +0.82 78 47 62.7 -5 89 781 +81 Bristol 0.88 11.44 5.16 +4.99 +1.68 77 49 64.2 -3 98 669 +49 Buckhorn Lak 0.48 11.26 5.20 +4.20 +1.51 73 50 62.6 -5 86 712 +92 Cape Girarde 1.03 13.17 9.59 +4.55 +4.96 80 45 62.5 -8 89 735 +10 Campbellsvil 0.71 10.53 5.42 +1.60 +0.76 78 45 63.7 -4 98 808 +108 Covington 0.42 8.40 6.53 +1.20 +2.70 77 40 60.4 -7 76 593 +3 Cumberland G 0.65 12.61 5.34 +4.65 +1.05 75 52 63.4 -4 92 713 +93 Dix Dam 0.94 12.25 7.67 +4.21 +3.43 74 44 61.6 -6 84 723 +48 Evansville 0.92 9.69 6.06 +1.84 +1.83 75 47 61.1 -9 79 675 +5 Glasgow 0.46 10.24 5.27 +1.61 +0.73 81 45 65.1 -3 107 845 +205 Grayson 0.68 12.51 8.72 +5.44 +4.92 74 47 60.5 -7 73 676 +111 Hardinsburg 0.74 12.67 7.18 +4.43 +2.82 77 47 61.1 -7 80 736 +36 Henderson 1.20 11.80 7.34 +3.87 +3.24 76 47 62.1 -8 86 732 +32 Huntington 0.23 12.65 8.87 +5.61 +5.07 79 47 61.3 -6 80 666 +46 Jackson 0.26 9.64 4.55 +1.93 +0.53 78 50 61.4 -6 78 674 +54 Lexington 0.86 12.10 8.31 +4.62 +4.32 79 44 61.9 -5 85 652 +62 London 0.28 11.89 5.82 +4.53 +1.99 77 46 62.4 -5 86 691 +71 Louisville 0.78 13.56 7.50 +5.60 +3.35 79 47 61.8 -6 83 692 +22 Mayfield 0.01 8.86 3.79 -0.23 -0.76 75 47 62.4 -8 86 709 -46 Nashville 0.50 11.18 6.49 +2.87 +2.12 76 52 63.8 -4 95 815 +60 Nolin Lake 0.57 11.59 6.02 +2.64 +1.15 74 47 62.1 -6 86 784 +109 Paducah 1.23 12.17 7.21 +3.18 +2.73 78 48 63.5 -7 94 772 +47 Princeton 0.90 11.55 6.04 +2.75 +1.56 76 46 63.4 -7 95 795 +65 Quicksand 1.06 11.22 6.26 +3.51 +2.24 73 50 62.7 -4 87 728 +108 Somerset 1.46 11.78 5.49 +3.34 +0.97 76 45 62.9 -4 93 749 +74 Spindletop 1.05 9.37 6.36 +1.89 +2.37 72 45 59.5 -8 67 627 +37 Williamstown 0.91 8.16 5.80 +0.45 +1.83 78 42 62.5 -5 90 689 +99 --- ky-crop-weather State Kentucky Crop Weather Release Date, Week Ending Date Week ending May 18, 2003 Issue KY-CW2003 Agricultural Summary Rain continued to limit most spring farming activities as fields were generally too wet for planting and setting. Temperatures averaged 65 degrees, 2 degrees below normal and 6 degrees cooler than the previous week. Rainfall totaled 1.53 inches statewide, 0.46 inches above normal. Main farm work included cutting hay, equipment maintenance, cattle handling, and field preparation where possible. Topsoil moisture, as of Friday, May 16, was rated 38 percent adequate and 62 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture, was rated 1 percent short, 49 percent adequate, and 50 percent surplus. Days suitable for fieldwork averaged 2.5 out of a possible 7 days. Field Crops Report SMALL GRAINS: As of Friday, May 16, wheat condition was rated 1 percent very poor, 7 percent poor, 22 percent fair, 45 percent good, and 25 percent excellent. Some farmers report minimal small grain lodging and disease despite elevated moisture levels and locally strong winds. TOBACCO: As of Sunday, May 18, burley tobacco set was 12 percent, 3 percent ahead of the previous year, and 11 percent behind average. Dark tobacco was 11 percent set, 4 percent ahead of the previous year, and 13 percent behind average. Condition of the set tobacco crop was 4 percent poor, 29 percent fair, 56 percent good, and 11 percent excellent. Some farmers are having to mow their tobacco due to its height and their inability to set plants. CORN AND SOYBEANS: Planting progress continued to be slowed last week by rainfall and flooded field conditions. As of Sunday, May 18, corn producers have planted 76 percent of their acres, 22 percent ahead of last year, and 3 percent behind average. Corn emerged was 67 percent, 20 percent ahead of last year, and equal to the 5 year average. Corn emerged condition rated 2 percent very poor, 10 percent poor, 33 percent fair, 40 percent good and 15 percent excellent. Soybeans were 11 percent planted, 6 percent ahead of last year, and 14 percent behind average. Livestock, Pasture and Range Report Farmers continued to be unable to harvest hay due to the rainy conditions. Hay crop condition was 1 percent very poor, 3 percent poor, 18 percent fair, 53 percent good, and 25 percent excellent. Pasture condition was rated 3 percent poor, 14 percent fair, 52 percent good, and 31 percent excellent. The strawberry crop was 32 percent small, 47 percent medium, 21 percent large. Grain sorghum was 7 percent planted, 6 percent ahead of the previous year, and 16 percent behind average. Weather Summary SLIGHTLY BELOW NORMAL TEMPERATURES AND ABOVE NORMAL RAINFALL: Slightly below normal temperatures without rain to start the week, with a transition to near normal temperatures and daily rainfall for the remainder of the week. For the second week in a row, a slow moving frontal system rolled across the region. This caused a re-soaking of already moist soils, and another week of limited field activity. So far this May, the State as a whole, has seen 5.80 inches of rainfall, which was almost twice the normal amount. Temperatures for the period averaged 65 degrees across the State which was 2 degrees below normal. High temperatures averaged from 75 in the West to 71 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 6 degrees below normal in the West to 4 degrees 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 near normal in the East. Extreme temperatures for the week were 81 and 43 at Paducah and Quicksand, respectively. Rainfall for the period totaled 1.53 inches statewide which was 0.46 inches above normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 1.60 inches, Central 1.30 inches, Bluegrass 1.28 inches and East 1.92 inches, which was 0.49, 0.20, 0.26 and 0.92 inches respectively above normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.52 inches at Covington to a high of 2.57 inches at London. Weather Information Table =============================================== | | | | Rainfall | Dev. From | |=================|==============| | Since Last| Norm Norm | Weather |Last April Four| Since Last | Station |Week 1 Wks.| Apr 1 4 Wks.| =============================================== (Inches) Bardstown 1.23 12.38 7.69 +5.90 +3.80 Berea 1.59 9.83 6.39 +2.78 +2.18 Bowling Gree 0.80 9.97 7.02 +2.78 +2.71 Bristol 0.90 10.56 5.05 +5.00 +1.69 Buckhorn Lak 1.69 10.78 5.58 +4.64 +1.94 Cape Girarde 1.87 12.14 10.59 +4.70 +6.10 Campbellsvil 0.66 9.82 5.52 +2.07 +0.93 Covington 0.52 7.98 7.15 +1.74 +3.41 Cumberland G 1.38 11.96 5.39 +5.09 +1.24 Dix Dam 1.44 11.31 7.57 +4.34 +3.41 Evansville 1.46 8.70 6.39 +1.92 +2.29 Glasgow 0.85 9.78 5.62 +2.29 +1.17 Grayson 2.29 11.83 8.97 +5.73 +5.29 Hardinsburg 1.43 11.93 7.96 +4.79 +3.70 Henderson 0.78 10.60 8.04 +3.70 +3.98 Huntington 2.53 12.42 9.52 +6.35 +5.85 Jackson 1.73 9.38 5.42 +2.68 +1.45 Lexington 1.62 11.24 8.37 +4.76 +4.48 London 2.57 11.61 5.87 +5.22 +2.09 Louisville 2.47 12.78 9.75 +5.87 +5.66 Mayfield 1.24 8.85 6.33 +0.89 +1.74 Nashville 1.00 10.68 6.98 +3.48 +2.69 Nolin Lake 1.05 11.02 6.91 +3.31 +2.22 Paducah 2.27 10.94 8.32 +3.06 +3.78 Princeton 0.95 10.69 8.01 +3.01 +3.53 Quicksand 2.05 10.16 6.22 +3.46 +2.25 Somerset 1.15 10.32 4.55 +3.03 +0.16 Spindletop 1.29 8.32 5.64 +1.84 +1.75 Williamstown 1.21 7.25 5.61 +0.54 +1.67 =============================================== =============================================== | | Growing | Air Temperature | Degree Days |=================|=============== | Dev.| Since Dev. Weather | Wkly. From|Last Apr Since Station |Hi Lo Avg. Norm|Week 1 Apr 1 =============================================== (Degrees F) Bardstown 76 52 64.3 -2 98 631 +61 Berea 76 52 65.4 +0 106 662 +74 Bowling Gree 78 49 66.9 +1 116 692 +104 Bristol 77 46 62.9 -2 92 571 +49 Buckhorn Lak 75 45 63.1 -2 93 626 +104 Cape Girarde 83 49 66.4 -2 115 646 +40 Campbellsvil 78 51 66.0 -0 111 710 +122 Covington 74 45 61.7 -3 85 517 +25 Cumberland G 79 47 64.1 -1 99 621 +99 Dix Dam 75 52 64.6 -1 99 639 +69 Evansville 78 48 65.4 -3 106 594 +36 Glasgow 80 50 66.6 +0 116 738 +210 Grayson 74 47 62.2 -3 85 603 +129 Hardinsburg 77 50 65.1 -1 103 656 +68 Henderson 78 50 65.1 -3 105 646 +58 Huntington 74 45 61.9 -3 83 586 +64 Jackson 74 49 61.9 -3 83 596 +74 Lexington 76 49 63.6 -1 95 567 +75 London 78 45 63.2 -2 94 605 +83 Louisville 75 51 64.6 -2 100 609 +51 Mayfield 76 49 64.4 -4 99 623 -13 Nashville 83 49 67.9 +2 124 720 +84 Nolin Lake 77 49 66.1 -0 111 698 +128 Paducah 81 49 66.9 -1 116 678 +72 Princeton 80 48 67.4 -1 121 700 +82 Quicksand 75 43 63.1 -2 93 641 +119 Somerset 78 47 64.4 -1 100 656 +86 Spindletop 77 48 63.3 -2 93 560 +68 Williamstown 77 44 62.6 -3 92 599 +107 ================================================= Crop Progress Table This Prev. 5-Yr. Week Yr. Avg. Corn Planted 76 54 79 Emerged 67 47 67 Soybeans Planted 11 5 25 Sorghum Planted 7 1 23 Burley Tobacco Set 12 9 23 Dark Tobacco Set 11 7 24 Crop Condition Table Very Poor Poor Fair Good Exc. Corn Emerged 2 10 33 40 15 Wheat 1 7 22 45 25 Pasture 0 3 14 52 31 Hay Crop 1 3 18 53 25 Set Tobacco 0 4 29 56 11 --- ky-crop-weather State Kentucky Crop Weather Release Date, Week Ending Date Week ending May 11, 2003 Issue KY-CW1903 Agricultural Summary Heavy rainfall throughout the week flooded some low lying areas and prevented farmers from working in the fields despite warmer temperatures. Temperatures averaged 71 degrees, 7 degrees above normal and 6 degrees warmer than the previous week. Rainfall totaled 3.38 inches statewide, 2.32 inches above normal. Topsoil moisture, as of Friday, May 9 was rated 24 percent adequate and 76 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture, was rated 37 percent adequate and 63 percent surplus. Days suitable for fieldwork averaged 1 out of a possible 7 days. Field Crops Report SMALL GRAINS: Wheat condition was rated 1 percent very poor, 4 percent poor, 17 percent fair, 49 percent good, and 29 percent excellent. Reports indicate that 88 percent of the wheat crop had headed, 16 percent ahead of last year and 3 percent more than average. TOBACCO: Transplants measured less than 2 inches in 31 percent of greenhouse and plant beds, 2 to 4 inches in 37 percent and 32 percent were greater than 4 inches. As of Sunday, May 11 burley tobacco set was 4 percent, the same as the previous year, while dark tobacco was only 1 percent set. Farmers reported 95 percent had adequate tobacco plants for setting. South central and far eastern Kentucky farmers expect plant supplies to be very tight. CORN AND SOYBEANS: Some corn fields were flooded this past week and will likely need to be reseeded. Corn producers have planted 71 percent of their acres, 21 percent ahead of last year and 2 percent above the average. Corn emerged was 62 percent, 17 percent ahead of last year and 9 percent ahead of the average. Corn emerged rated 3 percent very poor, 6 percent poor, 30 percent fair, 44 percent good and 17 percent excellent. Soybeans were 6 percent planted, 3 percent ahead of last year but 8 percent behind the average. Livestock, Pasture and Range Report Hay crop condition was 2 percent poor, 14 percent fair, 56 percent good, and 28 percent excellent. Pasture condition was rated 3 percent poor, 13 percent fair, 56 percent good, and 28 percent excellent. Weather Summary ABOVE NORMAL TEMPERATURES AND ABOVE NORMAL PRECIPITATION: The week was defined by warm and humid conditions thanks to a stalled frontal system near the State that brought plenty of unsettled weather to the region. With the warm and humid air, came copious amounts of rainfall, including an almost daily dose of showers and thunderstorms, along with high winds, hail, and tornadoes in Kentucky. Nearly 400 preliminary tornado reports occurred in the nation last week, with several deaths and injuries in Kentucky. Temperatures for the period averaged 71 degrees across the State which was 7 degrees above normal, and 6 degrees warmer than the previous week. High temperatures averaged from 79 in the West to 78 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from near normal in the West to 4 degrees above 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 9 degrees above normal in the West to 10 degrees above normal in the East. Extreme temperatures for the week were 87 and 50 degrees in Bowling Green and Princeton, respectively. Rainfall for the period totaled 3.38 inches statewide which was 2.32 inches above normal, and 2.46 inches more than the previous week. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 2.87 inches, Central 3.99 inches, Bluegrass 4.25 inches and East 2.42 inches, which was 1.77, 2.88, 3.23 and 1.41 inches respectively above normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 1.51 inches at Mayfield to a high of 5.48 inches at Lexington. Weather Information Table =============================================== | | | | Rainfall | Dev. From | |=================|==============| | Since Last| Norm Norm | Weather |Last April Four| Since Last | Station |Week 1 Wks.| Apr 1 4 Wks.| =============================================== (Inches) Bardstown 5.04 11.15 7.94 +5.68 +4.16 Berea 3.75 8.24 5.47 +2.27 +1.35 Bowling Gree 2.92 9.17 7.04 +3.10 +2.84 Bristol 2.51 9.66 5.78 +4.98 +2.53 Buckhorn Lak 2.21 9.09 4.90 +3.88 +1.32 Cape Girarde 4.52 10.27 9.18 +4.00 +4.83 Campbellsvil 3.51 9.16 5.82 +2.58 +1.29 Covington 4.92 7.46 6.78 +2.19 +3.14 Cumberland G 2.58 10.58 5.49 +4.79 +1.47 Dix Dam 4.98 9.87 7.24 +3.97 +3.17 Evansville 3.14 7.24 6.02 +1.53 +2.06 Glasgow 3.24 8.93 5.80 +2.58 +1.43 Grayson 3.29 9.54 7.37 +4.40 +3.80 Hardinsburg 4.84 10.50 7.68 +4.46 +3.51 Henderson 4.48 9.82 8.54 +3.95 +4.51 Huntington 2.91 9.89 7.56 +4.78 +4.01 Jackson 1.71 7.65 4.34 +1.96 +0.43 Lexington 5.48 9.62 8.02 +4.15 +4.24 London 2.27 9.04 4.89 +3.61 +1.16 Louisville 4.18 10.31 8.68 +4.44 +4.64 Mayfield 1.51 7.61 6.03 +0.78 +1.39 Nashville 4.59 9.68 7.01 +3.58 +2.80 Nolin Lake 3.73 9.97 6.81 +3.50 +2.30 Paducah 1.51 8.67 6.99 +1.91 +2.40 Princeton 2.08 9.74 7.90 +3.18 +3.42 Quicksand 2.15 8.11 4.94 +2.42 +1.03 Somerset 2.24 9.17 4.75 +3.02 +0.49 Spindletop 3.16 7.03 5.37 +1.56 +1.59 Williamstown 3.22 6.04 5.21 +0.33 +1.29 =============================================== =============================================== | | Growing | Air Temperature | Degree Days |=================|=============== | Dev.| Since Dev. Weather | Wkly. From|Last Apr Since Station |Hi Lo Avg. Norm|Week 1 Apr 1 =============================================== (Degrees F) Bardstown 85 57 71.2 +7 146 533 +68 Berea 83 58 70.8 +8 143 556 +80 Bowling Gree 87 59 72.1 +8 152 576 +100 Bristol 84 56 68.8 +6 129 479 +55 Buckhorn Lak 84 59 70.9 +8 143 533 +109 Cape Girarde 83 58 72.7 +6 157 531 +44 Campbellsvil 85 59 72.1 +8 153 599 +123 Covington 80 54 67.6 +5 121 432 +38 Cumberland G 85 59 69.9 +7 137 522 +98 Dix Dam 84 57 70.6 +8 143 540 +75 Evansville 82 54 68.9 +3 131 488 +42 Glasgow 88 57 73.3 +9 159 622 +206 Grayson 84 54 69.1 +6 131 518 +135 Hardinsburg 86 55 72.1 +8 153 553 +77 Henderson 83 56 70.9 +5 145 541 +65 Huntington 84 51 68.9 +6 130 503 +79 Jackson 83 58 69.5 +7 135 513 +89 Lexington 83 57 69.7 +7 137 472 +78 London 86 58 69.9 +7 138 511 +87 Louisville 85 56 70.3 +6 141 509 +63 Mayfield 84 59 70.7 +4 143 524 +7 Nashville 86 62 72.5 +8 157 596 +79 Nolin Lake 86 58 72.3 +8 154 587 +122 Paducah 84 57 72.4 +6 154 562 +75 Princeton 85 50 71.3 +5 147 579 +73 Quicksand 83 59 71.6 +9 149 548 +124 Somerset 84 58 71.2 +8 147 556 +91 Spindletop 83 56 69.2 +6 133 467 +73 Williamstown 80 53 69.2 +6 133 507 +113 ================================================= Crop Progress Table This Prev. 5-Yr. Week Yr. Avg. Corn Planted 71 50 69 Emerged 62 45 53 Soybeans Planted 6 3 14 Wheat Headed or Heading 88 72 85 Burley Tobacco Set 4 4 9 Dark Tobacco Set 1 4 8 Crop Condition Table Very Poor Poor Fair Good Exc. Corn Emerged 3 6 30 44 17 Wheat 1 4 17 49 29 Pasture 0 3 13 56 28 Hay Crop 0 2 14 56 28 --- ky-crop-weather State Kentucky Crop Weather Release Date, Week Ending Date Week ending May 4, 2003 Issue KY-CW1803 Agricultural Summary The week started off with temperatures near normal, then got cooler following some showers at the end of the week. Temperatures averaged 65 degrees, 3 degrees above normal and 9 degrees above the previous week's average. Rainfall totaled 0.92 inches statewide, 0.11 inches below normal. Topsoil moisture, as of Friday, May 2 was rated 1 percent short, 71 percent adequate, and 28 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture, was rated 1 percent short, 76 percent adequate, and 23 percent surplus. Days suitable for fieldwork averaged 3.8 out of a possible 7 days. Field Crops Report SMALL GRAINS: Wheat condition was rated 4 percent poor, 20 percent fair, 48 percent good, and 28 percent excellent. Reports indicate that 50 percent of the wheat crop had headed, 4 percent behind last year and 11 percent behind average. TOBACCO: Transplants measured less than 2 inches in 41 percent, 2 to 4 inches in 36 percent and 23 percent were greater than 4 inches. As of Sunday, May 4 burley tobacco set was 3 percent, one percent ahead of last year, while dark tobacco was only 1 percent set. CORN AND SOYBEANS: A few days of dry weather the middle of the week gave some farmers a chance to plant their crops between rain showers. Corn producers have planted 70 percent of their acres, 24 percent ahead of last year and 9 percent above the average. Corn emerged was 52 percent, 14 percent ahead of last year and 13 percent ahead of the average. Corn emerged rated 3 percent poor, 25 percent fair, 53 percent good and 19 percent excellent. Soybeans were 4 percent planted, 2 percent above last year but 4 percent behind the average. Livestock, Pasture and Range Report Hay crop condition was 4 percent poor, 21 percent fair, 54 percent good, and 21 percent excellent. Pasture condition was rated 2 percent poor, 19 percent fair, 59 percent good, and 20 percent excellent. Nitrogen supplies were generally adequate statewide with tightest supplies reported in eastern Kentucky. Weather Summary BELOW NORMAL PRECIPITATION AND ABOVE NORMAL TEMPERATURES: Two rain events this week, one early in the workweek, and one to start off the weekend, neither of which were significant enough to bring rainfall totals for the State to normal levels for the week. Most of the week, temperatures remained at or above normal across the State. However, by Friday, following the passage of a cold front during the afternoon hours, temperatures began to drop, and left the weekend with below normal readings. Temperatures for the period averaged 65 degrees across the State which was 3 degrees above normal. High temperatures averaged from 76 in the West to 75 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 56 degrees in the West to 53 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 0.92 inches statewide which was 0.11 inches below normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 1.39 inches, Central 0.50 inches, Bluegrass 0.48 inches and East 1.30 inches, which was +0.30, -0.56, -0.51 and +0.33 inches respectively from normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.07 inches at Louisville to a high of 3.20 inches at Huntington. Weather Information Table =============================================== | | | | Rainfall | Dev. From | |=================|==============| | Since Last| Norm Norm | Weather |Last April Four| Since Last | Station |Week 1 Wks.| Apr 1 4 Wks.| =============================================== (Inches) Bardstown 0.38 6.11 4.92 +1.65 +1.24 Berea 0.24 4.49 3.74 -0.39 -0.29 Bowling Gree 1.02 6.25 5.35 +1.29 +1.26 Bristol 0.87 7.15 6.70 +3.35 +3.56 Buckhorn Lak 0.82 6.88 6.17 +2.60 +2.64 Cape Girarde 2.17 5.75 5.31 +0.65 +1.10 Campbellsvil 0.54 5.65 4.74 +0.24 +0.28 Covington 0.67 2.54 2.26 -1.76 -1.29 Cumberland G 0.73 8.00 7.10 +3.30 +3.22 Dix Dam 0.31 4.89 4.14 +0.06 +0.15 Evansville 0.47 4.10 3.76 -0.53 -0.07 Glasgow 0.72 5.69 4.57 +0.49 +0.28 Grayson 2.46 6.25 5.79 +2.07 +2.34 Hardinsburg 0.17 5.66 4.83 +0.72 +0.75 Henderson 0.88 5.34 4.86 +0.49 +0.86 Huntington 3.20 6.98 6.58 +2.83 +3.15 Jackson 0.85 5.94 5.39 +1.26 +1.53 Lexington 0.35 4.14 3.54 -0.32 -0.14 London 0.70 6.77 5.79 +2.30 +2.10 Louisville 0.07 6.13 5.39 +1.30 +1.41 Mayfield 1.03 6.10 5.26 +0.40 +0.57 Nashville 0.40 5.09 3.24 +0.09 -0.89 Nolin Lake 0.67 6.24 5.38 +1.00 +1.05 Paducah 2.20 7.16 6.44 +1.51 +1.79 Princeton 2.15 7.66 6.77 +2.22 +2.29 Quicksand 1.00 5.96 5.28 +1.28 +1.42 Somerset 0.64 6.93 5.96 +1.93 +1.83 Spindletop 0.86 3.87 3.18 -0.59 -0.50 Williamstown 0.46 2.82 2.57 -1.90 -1.32 =============================================== =============================================== | | Growing | Air Temperature | Degree Days |=================|=============== | Dev.| Since Dev. Weather | Wkly. From|Last Apr Since Station |Hi Lo Avg. Norm|Week 1 Apr 1 =============================================== (Degrees F) Bardstown 81 39 64.4 +3 109 387 +27 Berea 81 47 65.6 +5 111 413 +49 Bowling Gree 83 44 65.5 +4 111 424 +60 Bristol 81 43 64.0 +3 101 350 +24 Buckhorn Lak 81 45 63.6 +3 98 390 +64 Cape Girarde 83 52 66.4 +2 112 374 +6 Campbellsvil 84 43 65.9 +4 115 446 +82 Covington 81 40 61.8 +1 90 311 +15 Cumberland G 82 44 64.9 +4 108 385 +59 Dix Dam 81 43 64.7 +4 107 397 +37 Evansville 82 47 65.9 +2 112 357 +23 Glasgow 86 43 66.4 +5 119 463 +159 Grayson 81 39 63.3 +3 101 387 +95 Hardinsburg 84 45 65.7 +4 111 400 +36 Henderson 82 48 64.6 +1 103 396 +32 Huntington 81 37 63.1 +2 101 373 +47 Jackson 80 46 64.0 +3 100 378 +52 Lexington 81 43 63.3 +3 96 335 +39 London 82 42 63.9 +3 102 373 +47 Louisville 83 43 64.7 +3 108 368 +34 Mayfield 82 45 64.8 +1 106 381 -17 Nashville 85 48 68.4 +6 127 439 +41 Nolin Lake 84 44 65.9 +4 113 433 +73 Paducah 84 52 66.6 +2 114 408 +40 Princeton 85 47 66.7 +3 116 432 +38 Quicksand 82 46 63.6 +3 98 399 +73 Somerset 83 43 65.0 +4 109 409 +49 Spindletop 80 38 62.2 +2 94 334 +38 Williamstown 83 42 63.5 +3 98 374 +78 ===================================================== Crop Progress Table This Prev. 5-Yr. Week Yr. Avg. Corn Planted 70 46 61 Emerged 52 38 39 Wheat Headed 50 54 61 Soybeans Planted 4 2 8 Burley Tobacco Set 3 2 3 Dark Tobacco Set 1 NA NA Crop Condition Table Very Poor Poor Fair Good Exc. Corn Emerged 0 3 25 53 19 Wheat 0 4 20 48 28 Pasture 0 2 19 59 20 Hay Crop 0 4 21 54 21 --- Kentucky Crop Weather Release Date, Week Ending Date Week ending April 27, 2003 Issue KY-CW1703 Agricultural Summary The week started off cool with temperatures below normal. Rain the end of the week hampered farmers efforts to work in the fields. Temperatures averaged 56 degrees, 4 degrees below normal and 10 degrees below the previous week's average. Rainfall totaled 1.36 inches statewide. Topsoil moisture, as of Friday, April 25 was rated 63 percent adequate, and 37 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture, was rated 1 percent short, 69 percent adequate, and 30 percent surplus. Days suitable for fieldwork averaged 3.3 out of a possible 7 days. Field Crops Report SMALL GRAINS: As of Friday, April 25 wheat condition was 3 percent poor, 26 percent fair, 50 percent good, and 21 percent excellent. Reports indicate that 9 percent of the wheat crop is headed, 7 percent behind last year and 16 percent behind the average. TOBACCO: Plants grown in traditional plant beds were 12 percent, while 88 percent were grown in greenhouses and float beds. As of Friday, April 25 transplants measuring less than 2 inches were 56 percent, 2 to 4 inches were 32 percent and 12 percent were greater than 4 inches. CORN AND SOYBEANS: A few days of dry weather the first of the week allowed some farmers a short window to plant their crops between rain showers. Corn producers have seeded 57 percent of their acres, 16 percent ahead of last year and 9 percent above the average. Corn emerged was 28 percent, 2 percent behind last year and 4 percent above the average. Corn emerged rated 4 percent poor, 28 percent fair, 54 percent good and 14 percent excellent. Soybeans were 2 percent planted, the same as last year and 1 percent below the average. Livestock, Pasture and Range Report Pasture condition was rated 1 percent very poor, 3 percent poor, 17 percent fair, 55 percent good, and 24 percent excellent. The expected date of the first alfalfa cutting is May 5. The strawberry crop was 2 percent poor, 23 percent fair, 58 percent good and 17 percent excellent. Weather Summary ABOVE NORMAL RAINFALL AND BELOW NORMAL TEMPERATURES The week began with below normal temperatures following the passage of a fairly strong cold front during the previous weekend, leading to highs only in the low 50s on Tuesday, and widespread frost over the northern half of the state on Wednesday morning. Temperatures recovered nicely as the remainder of the week progressed, finally reaching near-normal to above normal levels by the end of the period. A low pressure system, arriving late in the week brought rainfall to the entire state. The rainfall began as early as Thursday afternoon in some parts of far Western Kentucky, but did not spread eastward over the entire state until Friday afternoon, putting the final touches on a storm that left total rainfall accumulations ranging from as much as two inches in northwestern sections of the state, to just over one-tenth of an inch in eastern portions, and finally wrapped up by Saturday morning. Temperatures for the period averaged 56 degrees across the state which was 4 degrees below normal, and 10 degrees cooler than the previous week. High temperatures averaged from 67 in the West to 67 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 7 degrees below normal in the West to 2 degrees below normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 46 degrees in the West to 46 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. Extreme highs and lows for the week were 79 at Campbellsville and 31 at Lexington, respectively. Rainfall for the period totaled 1.36 inches statewide which was 0.38 inches above normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 2.16 inches, Central 1.69 inches, Bluegrass 0.81 inches and East 0.80 inches, which was +1.09, +0.69, -0.13 and -0.12 inches respectively from normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.33 inches at London to a high of 3.03 inches at Louisville. Weather Information Table ========================================= | Precipitation|Deviation| |==============| From | | Since| Normal | Weather | Last Jan | Since | Station | Week 1 | Jan 1 | ========================================= (I n c h e s) Bardstown 1.04 16.91 +2.95 Berea 0.81 16.39 +2.51 Bowling Green 2.28 13.93 -3.01 Bristol 0.77 17.51 +4.17 Buckhorn Lake 0.86 17.62 +2.78 Cape Girardeau 2.03 9.52 -5.72 Campbellsville 0.81 17.90 +1.10 Covington 1.04 8.52 -4.37 Cumberland Gap 0.70 18.38 +1.33 Dix Dam 0.84 14.97 +0.45 Evansville 1.32 12.05 -2.06 Glasgow 0.81 18.18 +0.98 Grayson 0.93 12.66 +0.23 Hardinsburg 1.52 16.38 +0.53 Henderson 1.90 15.97 +1.26 Huntington 0.88 12.52 +0.17 Jackson 1.13 16.32 +1.40 Lexington 0.92 11.30 -2.66 London 0.33 16.86 +1.83 Louisville 3.03 14.67 +0.04 Mayfield 2.55 10.99 -7.34 Nashville 0.99 15.57 -0.62 Nolin Lake 1.46 15.17 -0.93 Paducah 2.34 14.07 -2.53 Princeton 2.83 17.61 +0.12 Quicksand 1.02 16.94 +2.02 Somerset 0.52 18.81 +2.81 Spindletop 0.54 9.86 -4.10 Williamstown 0.72 9.32 -4.43 ========================================= ===================================================== | T e m p e r a t u r e s |Air Temp. |============================| | S o i l A i r |Deviation Weather |4 In. Grass Wkly.| From Station |High Low High Low Avg.| Normal ===================================================== (D e g r e e s F a h r e n h e i t) Bardstown 63 55 74 32 56.5 -3 Berea 67 55 77 35 56.3 -2 Bowling Gree -- -- 73 37 57.9 -2 Bristol -- -- 74 35 56.9 -1 Buckhorn Lak -- -- 74 35 56.1 -2 Cape Girarde -- -- 73 37 55.6 -6 Campbellsvil 61 55 79 34 58.1 -1 Covington -- -- 71 31 52.4 -6 Cumberland G 63 56 74 38 57.2 -1 Dix Dam -- -- 72 33 55.6 -3 Evansville -- -- 73 37 55.4 -6 Glasgow 59 55 81 34 59.2 -0 Grayson 63 56 71 38 55.0 -3 Hardinsburg 61 56 69 33 54.5 -5 Henderson 64 59 73 37 56.3 -5 Huntington -- -- 72 36 55.1 -3 Jackson -- -- 73 38 55.8 -2 Lexington -- -- 70 31 54.1 -4 London -- -- 73 34 56.1 -2 Louisville -- -- 73 35 54.5 -5 Mayfield 63 56 72 36 56.1 -6 Nashville -- -- 76 41 58.8 -1 Nolin Lake -- -- 72 35 57.1 -2 Paducah 62 58 76 37 57.3 -4 Princeton 67 60 76 36 57.4 -4 Quicksand 72 56 74 34 55.9 -2 Somerset 63 54 75 34 56.9 -1 Spindletop 61 50 71 32 53.3 -5 Williamstown 64 52 75 31 56.2 -2 ===================================================== Crop Progress Table This Prev. 5-Yr. Week Yr. Avg. Corn Planted 57 41 48 Emerged 28 30 24 Wheat Headed or Heading 9 16 27 Soybeans Planted 2 2 3 Crop Condition Table Very Poor Poor Fair Good Exc. Corn Emerged 0 4 28 54 14 Wheat 0 3 26 50 21 Pasture 1 3 17 55 24 Strawberries 0 2 23 58 17 --- Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period April 21 to April 27, 2003 ABOVE NORMAL RAINFALL AND BELOW NORMAL TEMPERATURES The week began with below normal temperatures following the passage of a fairly strong cold front during the previous weekend, leading to highs only in the low 50s on Tuesday, and widespread frost over the northern half of the state on Wednesday morning. Temperatures recovered nicely as the remainder of the week progressed, finally reaching near-normal to above normal levels by the end of the period. A low pressure system, arriving late in the week brought rainfall to the entire state. The rainfall began as early as Thursday afternoon in some parts of far Western Kentucky, but did not spread eastward over the entire state until Friday afternoon, putting the final touches on a storm that left total rainfall accumulations ranging from as much as two inches in northwestern sections of the state, to just over one-tenth of an inch in eastern portions, and finally wrapped up by Saturday morning. Temperatures for the period averaged 56 degrees across the state which was 4 degrees below normal, and 10 degrees cooler than the previous week. High temperatures averaged from 67 in the West to 67 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 7 degrees below normal in the West to 2 degrees below normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 46 degrees in the West to 46 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. Extreme highs and lows for the week were 79 at Campbellsville and 31 at Lexington, respectively. Rainfall for the period totaled 1.36 inches statewide which was 0.38 inches above normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 2.16 inches, Central 1.69 inches, Bluegrass 0.81 inches and East 0.80 inches, which was +1.09, +0.69, -0.13 and -0.12 inches respectively from normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.33 inches at London to a high of 3.03 inches at Louisville. --- Issued 4:00 P.M., April 21, 2003 JSL 4-03 AGRICULTURAL NEWS: The week started off warm and sunny which helped to dry out fields for planting. Rain in the middle of the week hampered farmers efforts to work in the fields. Temperatures averaged 66 degrees, 9 degrees above normal and 14 degrees above the previous week’s average. Rainfall totaled 0.98 inches statewide. Topsoil moisture, as of Friday, April 18 was rated 2 percent short, 65 percent adequate, and 33 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture, was rated 3 percent short, 72 percent adequate, and 25 percent surplus. Farmers reported slight damage to fruit production from the last frost a few weeks ago. Days suitable for fieldwork averaged 4.2 out of a possible 7 days. Primary farming activities included preparing fields for planting, repairingfences and spraying burn down for no-till corn. SMALL GRAINS: As of Friday, April 18 wheat condition was 1 percent very poor, 3 percent poor, 20 percent fair, 48 percent good, and 28 percent excellent. Barleywas rated 1 percent verypoor, 3 percent poor, 20 percent fair, 55 percent good, and 21 percent excellent. Reports indicated wheat is stillingood shape despite two weeks of wet weather. TOBACCO: Plant bed and greenhouse seeding was 91 percent complete by Sunday, April 20. This was 7 percent behind last year and 5 percent less than the average. Tobaccotransplants hademergedon68 percent ofthe seeded beds and flats, 14 percent behind last year, and 6 percent behind the five year average. Conditionof transplants was 3 percent poor, 20 percent fair, 56 percent good, and 21 percent excellent. CORN: A few days of dry weather and warmer temperatures allowed some farmers a short window to plant their crops between rain showers. Corn producers have seeded 44 percent oftheir acres, 16 percent ahead of last year and 11 percent above the average. Cornhas been slow to emerge due to the cool weather. LEGUMES ANDPASTURES: Pastureconditionwas rated 1 percent very poor, 4 percent poor, 24 percent fair,52 percent good, and 19 percent excellent. Farmers were also busyseeding pastures and hayfieldslast week. The average height of alfalfa as of Friday, April 18 was 11 inches. Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period April 13 to April 20, 2003 ABOVE NORMAL TEMPERATURES AND NEAR NORMAL RAINFALL With much the same situation as last week, a surface low pressure system, and its associated cutoff upper level low combined, resulting in a very slow-moving rainmaker over much of the state, interrupting field operations. Rainfall began in the Western sections of the state on Thursday, and had spread across the entire state by Friday, before it finally ended in the East by Saturday morning. A gradual warming trend occurred through mid-week, with cooler temperatures on Thursday and Friday, before rebounding back into the 70s and low 80s for the weekend. Temperatures for the period averaged 66 degrees across the state which was 9 degrees above normal, and 14 degrees warmer than the previous week. High temperatures averaged from 77 in the West to 78 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 5 degrees above normal in the West to 11 degrees above normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 54 degrees in the West to 53 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 7 degrees above normal in the West to 7 degrees above normal in the East. The extreme high was 85 at Paducah (and several other locations). The extreme low for the week was 38 degrees at London. Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 0.98 inches statewide which was near normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 0.92 inches, Central 1.14 inches, Bluegrass 0.84 inches and East 1.01 inches, which was -0.15, +0.13, -0.10 and +0.09 inches respectively from normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.15 inches at Covington to a high of 1.59 inches at London. --- Issued 4:00 P.M., April 14, 2003 JSL 3-03 AGRICULTURAL NEWS: The second week of April brought cooler and wet weather throughout the State which interrupted many farm activities. Temperatures averaged 52 degrees, 3 degrees below normal and rainfall for the week totaled 1.65 inches. Topsoil moisture as of Friday, April 11 was rated 1 percent short, 52 percent adequate, and 47 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 2 percent short, 65 percent adequate, and 33 percent surplus. Days suitable for fieldwork averaged 1.8 out of a possible 7 days. Farmers continued to seed traditional and greenhouse tobacco beds with some transplants beginning to emerge. Other farming activities included fertilizing fields, working livestock, and preparing equipment for corn planting. Windy conditions in most areas of the Commonwealth State made spraying difficult. TOBACCO: Plant bed and greenhouse seeding was 85 percent complete by Sunday, April 13. This compared with 87 percent in 2002 and 86 percent for the five year average. Tobacco transplants had emerged on 49 percent of the seeded beds and flats, 11 percent behind last year, and 5 percent less than the average. Reports of some tobacco float systems having trouble with spiral root were noted. CORN: Corn planting was mostly on hold this week due to the cool and wet field conditions. Planting was still ahead of schedule with 22 percent of the intended acreage completed as of Sunday, April 13 compared to 15 percent last year and 17 percent for the five year average. A few reports that some corn acres planted in low lying areas were flooded out after all the rain last week. SMALL GRAINS: Reports of damage to winter wheat were minimal. Farmers report average wheat height at 10 inches. As of Friday, April 11 winter wheat condition was 4 percent poor, 20 percent fair, 55 percent good, and 21 percent excellent. Barley was rated 3 percent poor, 26 percent fair, 52 percent good, and 19 percent excellent. The wet winter and spring has some producers concerned about potential mold and mildew problems. OTHER CROPS AND PASTURES: Fruit trees were reported at 78 percent blooming or in bloom, 38 percent above last year, and ahead of the 59 percent five year average. Pasture condition was rated 5 percent poor, 23 percent fair, 53 percent good, and 19 percent excellent. Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period April 7 to April 13, 2003 BELOW NORMAL TEMPERATURES AND ABOVE NORMAL RAINFALL A surface low pressure system, and its associated cutoff upper level low, combined this past week resulted in a very slow-moving rainmaker over much of the state. The system entered the state late on Sunday, when the rain started in Western Kentucky and overspread the entire state through most of the workweek. Flooding occurred in Eastern sections of the state through Saturday morning. Cloudy, windy, and cooler conditions accompanied the rainfall through much of the week. Warmer temperatures and drier conditions returned by the weekend. Temperatures for the period averaged 52 degrees across the state which was 3 degrees below normal. High temperatures averaged from 63 in the West to 60 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 40 degrees in the West to 46 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. Rainfall for the period totaled 1.65 inches statewide which was 0.67 inches above normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 0.83 inches, Central 1.74 inches, Bluegrass 1.14 inches and East 2.90 inches, which was -0.24, +0.74, +0.20 and +1.98 inches respectively from normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.40 inches at Covington to a high of 4.19 inches at Cumberland Gap. --- Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period March 31 to April 6, 2003 ABOVE NORMAL TEMPERATURES AND BELOW NORMAL PRECIPITATION The workweek started off cold, with a hard freeze in some parts of the state - Lexington 24F. Through the workweek, temperatures surged upward into the mid-70s for much of the week. Very cold and wet conditions occurred through the weekend. Two separate rain events late this week - both the result of only one frontal boundary. Friday night through Saturday morning, a low pressure system ushered a fairly active cold front through the region. The result was heavy rain, and reports of severe weather statewide. Despite the period's late-week precipitation and cool-down, this week marked the 6th in a row with below normal statewide precipitation totals, and the 3rd week in a row with above normal temperatures. Temperatures for the period averaged 57 degrees across the state which was 5 degrees above normal. High temperatures averaged from 67 in the West to 68 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from near normal in the West to 7 degrees above normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 46 degrees in the West to 46 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 5 degrees above normal in the West to 6 degrees above normal in the East. Soil temperatures under a 4 inch grass cover averaged in the low 50s, with soil temperatures highs near 60 and lows in the low 40s. Rainfall for the period totaled 0.71 inches statewide which was 0.29 inches below normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 0.62 inches, Central 0.94 inches, Bluegrass 0.55 inches and East 0.71 inches, which was 0.46, 0.07, 0.39 and 0.22 inches respectively below normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.25 inches at Williamstown to a high of 1.12 inches at Glasgow. For the last 30 days, rainfall deficits ranged from 1 to 2 inches below normal across the state. --- Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period March 24 to March 30, 2003 ABOVE NORMAL TEMPERATURES AND BELOW NORMAL RAINFALL March went out like a lion as two storm systems this past week produced periods of showers and thunderstorms Wednesday and Friday evening/Saturday morning across the state. The second of the two systems resulted in temperature fluctuations rarely seen as the strength of it's cold front was highlighted by a fluctuation of highs between Friday and Saturday afternoons of almost 30 degrees statewide...from the low-to-mid 70s, to the 40s by Saturday. Kentucky experienced 3 to 5 days with temperatures at of above 70 degrees from north to south across the state last week. Also, on the backside of the precipitation on Saturday morning, as temperatures hovered near freezing, many parts of northern and eastern Kentucky saw rain change over to light-to-moderate snowfall before ending from west to east. Temperatures for the period averaged 54 degrees across the state which was 5 degrees above normal. High temperatures averaged from 66 in the West to 64 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 1 degree above normal in the West to 6 degrees above normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 41 degrees in the West to 42 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 2 degrees above normal in the West to 4 degrees above normal in the East. Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 0.76 inches statewide which was 0.27 inches below normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 0.67 inches, Central 0.92 inches, Bluegrass 0.72 inches and East 0.74 inches, which was 0.45, 0.13, 0.27 and 0.23 inches respectively below normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.15 inches at Williamstown to a high of 1.29 inches at Glasgow. --- Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period March 17 to March 23, 2003 ABOVE NORMAL TEMPERATURES AND BELOW NORMAL PRECIPITATION The week was characterized by a fairly powerful storm system and an associated weaker stationary front, which combined to give the state beneficial rain off an on through a good part of the week. The heaviest rainfall and embedded severe weather, came in an area of warm, humid, and unstable air ahead of an approaching strong cold front on Wednesday/Thursday. The front exited the state on Friday, and was followed by cooler, more seasonal temperatures during the day - before rebounding back above normal by the weekend. Despite what seemed a very wet period late last week, rainfall amounts were not enough to bring the state averaged rainfall totals from below-normal levels for the fourth week in a row; while the state saw the first week with above normal average temperatures in seven weeks. Temperatures for the period averaged 58 degrees across the state which was 11 degrees above normal. High temperatures averaged from 67 in the West to 68 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 6 degrees above normal in the West to 12 degrees above normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 47 degrees in the West to 48 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 10 degrees above normal in the West to 13 degrees above normal in the East. Rainfall for the period totaled 0.90 inches statewide which was 0.14 inches below normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 1.30 inches, Central 1.03 inches, Bluegrass 0.88 inches and East 0.37 inches, which was +0.18, -0.03, -0.11 and -0.60 inches respectively from normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.11 inches at Bowling Green to a high of 1.68 inches at Glasgow. --- Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period March 10 to March 16, 2003 ABOVE NORMAL TEMPERATURES AND BELOW NORMAL PRECIPITATION A lack of precipitation through week was thanks to domination by high pressure, with only a brief break in the dry weather as a frontal system moved through the state Wednesday and Thursday. However, a lack of strength and moisture didn't allow for a great deal of rainfall from the system. This week marks the third straight week in which state has seen well below normal rainfall amounts and, in fact, the state was 2.37 inches below normal for the three week period. Also of note, is the fact that this was the sixth week in a row in which the state had seen at or below normal temperatures. Temperatures for the period averaged 48 degrees across the state which was 4 degrees above normal. High temperatures averaged from 60 in the West to 62 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged near normal in the West to 9 degrees above normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 36 degrees in the West to 36 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 2 degrees above normal in the West to 4 degrees above normal in the East. Extreme temperatures for the week were 75 and 14 degrees at Berea and Covington, respectively. Rainfall for the period totaled 0.22 inches statewide which was 0.81 inches below normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 0.20 inches, Central 0.09 inches, Bluegrass 0.33 inches and East 0.26 inches, which was 0.92, 0.96, 0.66 and 0.70 inches respectively below normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.02 inches at Bowling Green to a high of 0.61 inches at Williamstown. --- Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period March 3 to March 9, 2003 NEAR NORMAL TEMPERATURES AND BELOW NORMAL PRECIPITATION Hints of spring, but winter hangs on: Quite a bit of variation and brief hints of spring through the course of the week as far as temperatures were concerned. Monday started the week with highs only in the 30s statewide. Strong southerly flow ahead of a weak cold front helped to push highs back up into the upper 50s and low-to-mid 60s by Tuesday, where they stayed until Wednesday evening. Then, following the passage of the front, highs plummeted back into the 30s by Thursday. A warming trend then began ahead of yet another fairly inactive storm system, which resulted in highs in the 50s and even 60s in western sections of the state on Friday, and then highs on Saturday then soared into the low 70s throughout the state under sunny skies, before colder temperatures returned once again for the day on Sunday. Temperatures for the period averaged 42 degrees across the state which was near normal. High temperatures averaged from 52 in the West to 55 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 5 degrees below normal in the West to 5 degrees above normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 28 degrees in the West to 33 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 4 degrees below normal in the West to 2 degrees above normal in the East. Extreme high and low temperatures were 73 and 15 at Bowling Green and Williamstown, respectively. Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 0.12 inches statewide which was 0.92 inches below normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 0.02 inches, Central 0.08 inches, Bluegrass 0.18 inches and East 0.19 inches, which was 1.10, 0.98, 0.82 and 0.77 inches respectively below normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.02 inches at Princeton to a high of 0.42 inches at Cumberland Gap. --- Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period February 24 to March 2, 2003 BELOW NORMAL TEMPERATURES AND BELOW NORMAL PRECIPITATION Following the exit of a weak storm system that brought precipitation to a majority of the state on Monday, arctic high pressure swept into the area, and was the prominent weather feature for the first half of the week, helping to make this period the state's 4th week in a row with below normal temperatures. Southern sections of the state saw a majority of the state's precipitation as disturbances grazed southern parts of the area from time to time, before a stronger system ushered high pressure eastward, and brought a majority of the state rainfall again by Friday. This week ended what was the 7th wettest and 30th coldest February in the last 108 years for the state of Kentucky. Temperatures for the period averaged 33 degrees across the state which was 6 degrees below normal. High temperatures averaged from 35 in the West to 41 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 19 degrees below normal in the West to 7 degrees below normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 27 degrees in the West to 31 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 3 degrees below normal in the West to 2 degrees above normal in the East. Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 0.29 inches statewide which was 0.64 inches below normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 0.35 inches, Central 0.21 inches, Bluegrass 0.22 inches and East 0.36 inches, which was 0.65, 0.77, 0.60 and 0.54 inches respectively below normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.17 inches at Louisville to a high of 0.60 inches at Cumberland Gap. --- Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period February 17 to February 23, 2003 BELOW NORMAL TEMPERATURES AND ABOVE NORMAL PRECIPITATION In the aftermath of the previous week's ice storm, many sections of northern and central Kentucky spent a good part of the week healing - which included removing downed limbs and trees and working to restore power. For the southern half of the state, concerns with flooding - including pumping basements, moving livestock, and trying to stay ahead of the rising waters in many low-lying areas, and Kentucky waterways in general. Two weather systems this week. The first, a frontal system that lingered near the region Wednesday and Thursday, brought rainfall to the entire state, the heaviest of which was in the southern portions. The second system, a strong low pressure center that passed just south of the state Saturday evening, managed to bring precipitation to the state over a much longer period, from Friday evening through Sunday. The heaviest rains from this system came on Saturday evening and into Sunday, as over an inch of rain fell over much of the state on what was already saturated ground, worsening previously existing flooding problems - especially in south-central and eastern sections of the state. Temperatures for the period averaged 36 degrees across the state which was 2 degrees below normal. High temperatures averaged from 40 in the West to 43 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 12 degrees below normal in the West to 3 degrees below normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 31 degrees in the West to 33 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. Extremes for the week were 70 and 20 degrees in Jackson and Hardinsburg, respectively. Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 1.73 inches statewide which was 0.85 inches above normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 1.97 inches, Central 1.91 inches, Bluegrass 1.22 inches and East 1.84 inches, which was 1.02, 0.95, 0.46 and 0.97 inches respectively above normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.92 inches at Spindletop to a high of 2.68 inches at Henderson. --- Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period February 10 to February 16, 2003 BELOW NORMAL TEMPERATURES AND ABOVE NORMAL PRECIPITATION After beginning the week with near-average temperatures and little precipitation, the week was punctuated by a powerful storm system that brought copious amounts of precipitation to the entire state. Areas in the northern half of the state were plagued by paralyzing freezing rain both Saturday evening and much of the day on Sunday, while the southern sections of the state saw mostly rainfall, southeastern sections of the state faced flooding threats even into the 17th. Temperatures for the period averaged 34 degrees across the state which was 2 degrees below normal. High temperatures averaged from 44 in the West to 40 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 6 degrees below normal in the West to 4 degrees below normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 28 degrees in the West to 29 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 1 degrees above normal in the West to 4 degrees above normal in the East. Extreme temperatures were 61 and 9 degrees at Paducah and Covington, respectively. Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 3.21 inches statewide which was 2.32 inches above normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 2.44 inches, Central 3.58 inches, Bluegrass 2.69 inches and East 4.11 inches, which was 1.49, 2.63, 1.93 and 3.25 inches respectively from normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.60 inches at Mayfield to a high of 4.98 inches at Glasgow. --- Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period February 3 to February 9, 2003 BELOW NORMAL TEMPERATURES AND BELOW NORMAL PRECIPITATION A sharp fluctuation of temperatures was seen early in the week, with much of the state seeing highs in the upper 50s, and even the low 60s on Monday, and by Tuesday afternoon, highs were back into the mid 30s, and by Saturday morning, lows had dipped all the way back into the single digits. Two storm systems brought precipitation to the state over the course of the week - which was the fifth week in a row with below normal rainfall totals. The first, on Monday and Tuesday, was accompanied by above normal temperatures, and as a result, precipitation from the system fell as rain. The second system arrived late in the week, and brought 1 to 2 inches snow to most of the state from Thursday afternoon through Friday morning. Temperatures for the period averaged 32 degrees across the state which was 2 degrees below normal. High temperatures averaged from 39 in the West to 39 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 9 degrees below normal in the West to 3 degrees below normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 24 degrees in the West to 25 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 2 degrees below normal in the West to 1 degrees above normal in the East. Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 0.72 inches statewide which was 0.17 inches below normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 0.50 inches, Central 0.65 inches, Bluegrass 0.68 inches and East 1.03 inches, which was -0.45, -0.31, -0.08 and +0.17 inches respectively from normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.24 inches at Louisville to a high of 1.95 inches at Somerset. --- Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period January 27 to February 2, 2003 NEAR NORMAL TEMPERATURES AND BELOW NORMAL PRECIPITATION: Huge temperature change, which was punctuated by a 79 degree difference between the highest reading and the lowest reading for the state over the course of the week, began with low temperatures well into the negative values on Monday morning, and ended with highs in the upper 60s by Sunday afternoon. Overall however, temperatures averaged near normal for the week - and as the month of January played out, it proved to be the 14th coldest January in 108 years of record for the state. Also, despite two rainfall events over the course of the week, statewide precipitation averaged just over half of what normally occurs over this period, and monthly totals for January ranked it as the 18th driest on record. Temperatures for the period averaged 34 degrees across the state which was 1 degrees above normal. High temperatures averaged from 44 in the West to 41 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 2 degrees below normal in the West to near normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 27 degrees in the West to 27 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. Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 0.42 inches statewide which was 0.35 inches below normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 0.26 inches, Central 0.48 inches, Bluegrass 0.34 inches and East 0.58 inches, which was 0.53, 0.34, 0.32 and 0.22 inches respectively below normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.17 inches at Lexington to a high of 1.43 inches at Quicksand. --- Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period January 20 to 26, 2003 MUCH BELOW NORMAL TEMPERATURES AND BELOW NORMAL RAINFALL: For the second week in a row, much below temperatures were the rule for the Bluegrass State. Lows in the single digits and around zero along with dangerous windchills in the negative teens were experienced by much of the state on both Thursday and Friday. Below normal temperatures through the week were accompanied by two snow events - one mid-week and one late in the week, and neither of which were significant enough to push state precipitation totals high enough to avoid being below normal for the third week in a row. Temperatures for the period averaged 23 degrees across the state which was 9 degrees below normal. High temperatures averaged from 30 in the West to 30 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 15 degrees below normal in the West to 9 degrees below normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 15 degrees in the West to 18 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 9 degrees below normal in the West to 4 degrees below normal in the East. Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 0.10 inches statewide which was 0.62 inches below normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 0.07 inches, Central 0.12 inches, Bluegrass 0.12 inches and East 0.08 inches, which was 0.65, 0.65, 0.50 and 0.69 inches respectively below normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.00 inches at Cape Girardeau to a high of 0.34 inches at Williamstown. --- Kentucky Climate Summary: For the Period January 13 to 19, 2003 MUCH BELOW NORMAL TEMPERATURES AND BELOW NORMAL RAINFALL: The coldest temperatures of this winter (and recent winters) occurred last week with 2 to 6 inches of snowfall across the state. Low temperatures were in the single digits and near zero on at least two mornings (15th and 18th) with lows below zero in many rural areas on the 18th. Precipitation in the liquid form was below normal for the week...but several light snowfall events occurred with significant snowfall occurring statewide on Thursday and Friday (16th/17th). Temperatures for the period averaged 24 degrees across the state which was 8 degrees below normal and 11 degrees colder than the previous week. High temperatures averaged from 33 in the West to 31 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 10 degrees below normal in the West to 8 degrees below normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 15 degrees in the West to 16 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 9 degrees below normal in the West to 6 degrees below normal in the East. Extreme high temperatures were in the low to mid 40's and extreme low temperatures were in the negative single digits. Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 0.21 inches statewide which was 0.51 inches below normal. Precipitation totals (in liq. form) by climate division, West 0.20 inches, Central 0.19 inches, Bluegrass 0.13 inches and East 0.33 inches, which was 0.52, 0.58, 0.49 and 0.44 inches respectively below normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.03 inches at Evansville to a high of 0.55 inches at Quicksand. --- Kentucky Climate Summary For the Period January 6, 2003 to January 12, 2003 ABOVE NORMAL TEMPERATURES AND BELOW NORMAL PRECIPITATION A fairly mild period started the week's weather, as a dominant upper-level ridge across the eastern third of the state brought warm, Gulf States air into the area. Although only a very brief stay for the above normal temperatures at the beginning of the 7-day period - before slightly below normal temperatures returned late in the week, it was enough to put averages for the week above normal as well. Calm weather dominated the week, and resulted in an unusually dry period for this time of year. Temperatures for the period averaged 35 degrees across the state which was 3 degrees above normal. High temperatures averaged from 44 in the West to 42 in the East. Departure from normal high temperatures ranged from 2 degrees above normal in the West to 4 degrees above normal in the East. Low temperatures averaged from 26 degrees in the West to 27 degrees in the East. Departure from normal low temperature ranged from 1 degrees above normal in the West to 5 degrees above normal in the East. Precipitation (liq. equ.) for the period totaled 0.02 inches statewide which was 0.71 inches below normal. Precipitation totals by climate division, West 0.00 inches, Central 0.00 inches, Bluegrass 0.03 inches and East 0.04 inches, which was 0.72, 0.77, 0.60 and 0.73 inches respectively below normal. By station, precipitation totals ranged from a low of 0.00 inches at Bardstown to a high of 0.06 inches at Huntington. ---