The May 18 weather and crop report from the Kentucky field office of NASS and Shelby County extension agent for agriculture and natural resources Corinne Belton seem to agree: Planting is going well.

“We are doing well in Shelby County – much better than we expected a couple months ago,” Belton explained. “A large percentage of corn is in the ground and beans are well on the way, too.

“Tobacco has been being set for the past couple weeks and, with a couple of timely showers, is looking good.”

According to the report, the state experienced above-normal temperatures and rainfall the previous week. Temperatures averaged 68 degrees for the week, 4 degrees above normal.

Topsoil moisture was rated 1 percent very short, 18 percent short, 70 percent adequate and 11 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was similar, with 1 percent very short, 11 percent short, 77 percent adequate and 11 percent surplus.

The report stated a full six days out of the previous seven were suitable for fieldwork. Primary activities included planting corn (85 percent planted), soybeans (25 percent) and tobacco (27 percent set), along with cutting and baling hay. Producers also continued harvesting wheat for hay or silage.