Above-normal temperatures and below-normal precipitation left Kentucky producers struggling to get those last few acres of soybeans planted, said Matt Adams, Hardin County extension agent for agriculture and natural resources.
"Full-season soybeans are probably 75 percent planted, and we’re really struggling to get that last 25 percent in the ground," he said. "We haven’t had large amounts of rain, just frequent showers that make ideal planting conditions sparse."
The June 1 weather and crop report from the Kentucky field office of NASS reported just 3.6 days out of the previous seven suitable for fieldwork. Hardin County is doing better than the statewide report of just 49 percent of soybeans planted.
Statewide, corn was reportedly 94 percent planted; Adams said Hardin County corn acres all have been planted. He reported good stands so far with some uneven emergence in the acres planted during an early May dry spell.
Statewide, precipitation was reported at 1.05 inches, just 0.05 below normal. Average temperatures were 72 degrees, 4 above normal for the week.
Adams expects wheat harvest to begin in the next 2-3 weeks.
By Deborah Behrends
Indiana Correspondent