Warmer-than-usual temperatures in March and April with scattered showers gave way during the last week to milder temperatures and increased rainfall. Rain for the week totaled 1.78 inches, which was 0.68 inch above normal. Average temperature for the period week was 1 degree above normal, at 64 degrees, but a full 8 degrees warmer that the previous week.

Leland Brown, director of the Kentucky NASS office, said there was an increase in rainfall, but some areas in the west and southeast are suffering from dry conditions. Citing an unusually mild winter, Brown noted progress in the field is ahead of normal for Kentucky.

“It has been remarkable compared to last year, on average,” he said. “Corn, for instance, is way ahead for this date.”

Corn planting is 96 percent complete and 82 percent has already emerged. This compares to a five-year average of 50 percent. The average height of the most advanced corn is 15 inches, while the average height for the state is 9. Condition ratings for corn is not bad, with 61 percent rated good and 7 percent rated excellent.

Soybean planting, at 47 percent, is also ahead of the five-year average, which is 11 percent. Soybean emergence is rated 22 percent at this time compared to 0 percent last year. Corn and soybeans continue to progress rapidly when viewed in a historical context.

Also, Kentucky NASS data show the condition of winter wheat deteriorating somewhat, likely due to late frost and heavy rain in the early season. Winter wheat harvest is expected to begin around June 1.

Crops across the Volunteer State got a brief dousing of rain when showers and thunderstorms rolled through areas of the state, according to a NASS report for the week ending May 13.

The rain brought only temporary relief, and crops continue to need moisture. Despite that, 60 percent of corn and 48 percent of winter wheat are rated in good condition and the majority of crops continue to develop faster than normal. The wheat harvest is expected to begin within a couple of weeks, according to the report.

According to NASS, topsoil moisture levels were rated 12 percent very short, 30 percent short, 56 percent adequate and 2 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture levels were rated 10 percent very short, 31 percent short, 58 percent adequate and 1 percent surplus.

Dyer County Agent Tim Campbell reported corn planting continues at a good rate in his county. His stated need for more moisture was repeated by Weakley County Agent Jeff Lannom and others.

“Producers have made great strides in planting soybeans with little to no precipitation delays. Soil moisture is becoming a limiting factor for both soybean seeding and established corn crops. Producers have been busy applying post-emerge weed control herbicides in corn, sidedressing nitrogen in corn and planting soybeans,” Lannom said.

“Some spotty showers, but not enough to help with drought type conditions that are becoming more prevalent. Some folks are saying this is the driest early May they have seen. Soil crust is preventing no-till drilling,” reported Ruth Correll of Wilson County.

“Another dry week. Planting has stopped. Farmers reporting 50 to 30 percent hay yield, compared to last spring. Fertilizing, spraying and hay harvest major activities for week. Need rain desperately,” Warren County Agent Dale Beaty said.