After a wet spring and summer, parts of Kentucky now are concerned that yields are dropping because of dry conditions. In Anderson County, extension agent Tommy Yankey estimates soybean yields will decrease an average of 7-10 bushels per acre.

"We are probably one to two weeks away from running beans, so I don’t have any farmer reports of actual yields; just estimated losses," he said. "Corn has dried down considerably over the past week.

"Last week moistures were averaging 24 to 25 percent. This week they have dropped to 18 percent on a lot farms. We have harvested very little corn; just some test runs by farmers to make sure all equipment is operating correctly, but we should start harvesting corn in our area of the state next week."

According to the Sept. 21 crop progress and condition report from the Kentucky field office of NASS, the state experienced below-normal temperatures and rainfall over the previous week. Precipitation for the week totaled 0.04 inch, 0.79 inch below normal. Temperatures averaged 67 degrees for the week, 2 degrees below normal.

Topsoil moisture was rated 11 percent very short, 37 percent short, 49 percent adequate and 3 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 9 percent very short, 31 percent short, 58 percent adequate and 2 percent surplus.

Days suitable for fieldwork averaged 6.7. Primary activities during the week included cutting hay and tobacco and harvesting corn for grain. Soybean harvest is underway in some locations.

Early corn and soybean yields are reported to be quite good. Harvest has also begun on some early soybean fields. Much of the state has experienced below-normal rainfall over the past month and late crops are in need of rain, especially soybeans.

Pasture conditions have declined thanks to the dry weather and some livestock producers are now feeding hay. Moisture is needed for fall seeding.

"Creeks and streams have totally stopped running on many farms," Yankey said. "Fortunately, many farmers over the last 15 years have worked to install frost-free waterers throughout their farms. Cattle are still in very good body condition, but will lose condition soon now if a farmer holds off too long before starting to feed hay."