September ended on a warm note across Kentucky, with highs soaring into the mid to upper 80s from the 27th through the 30th. So far, that trend has continued into October with much above normal temperatures.

September rainfall totals were quite variable, but a decent chunk of western Kentucky ended up drier than normal. It all depended on which area you were in. University of Kentucky Agricultural Meteorologist Matt Dixon says many parts of the state were well above normal for rainfall.

click to download audioBut most areas overall continued to have adequate moisture and the dryness did have some benefits for the harvest.

click to download audioWhile below normal rainfall continues to be an issue in western areas, Dixon says it could have been worse.

click to download audioAs the fall harvest continues, growers should be pleased with the condition of crops in general.

click to download audioTo give you an idea of how good the weather has been to Kentucky’s agriculture so far this year, Kentucky farmers broke a record for wheat production this year. Winter wheat production in Kentucky increased 42 percent this year, compared to the 2020 harvest, which was impacted by poor weather conditions.