Spotty thunderstorms last week provided some relief to dry conditions during the first week of June but large portions of the state still remain in an abnormally dry state, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.

So far, that has not been the case in western Kentucky, where the majority of row crops are produced. But hot temperatures, near 90 degrees, began earlier than usual, which could mean dry conditions will continue unless more widespread rainfall moves through the area.

As of the June 8 report from NASS’ Kentucky field office, planting efforts were continuing nicely across the state. Nearly all of the state’s corn crop has been planted (97 percent), keeping pace with last year’s crop and the five-year average. The corn condition was reported to be 4 percent poor, 15 percent fair, 65 percent good and 15 percent excellent.

Soybean planting had reached the 61 percent level, with crop conditions being reported as 3 percent poor, 15 percent fair, 70 percent good and 12 percent excellent.

Tobacco producers were progressing in getting their plants set. Sixty-eight percent of the crop had been planted by the end of the first week in June, keeping pace with the five-year average of 69 percent. The crop condition was listed as 2 percent poor, 18 percent fair, 69 percent good and 11 percent excellent.

Winter wheat conditions also remained good as producers get closer to harvest. The crop was rated as being 4 percent poor, 16 percent fair, 58 percent good and 21 percent excellent, according to NASS.

Pastures remain in good shape with conditions rated as 6 percent poor, 21 percent fair, 60 percent good and 11 percent excellent. In addition to row crop planting, farmers continue to make their first hay cutting of the year.