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Precipitation helpful during week
Montana
There were 6.5 days suitable for fieldwork for the week ending Aug. 22, and temperatures were warmer than last week, with Montana's high temperatures mostly in the mid 80s to mid 90s, according to the Montana Agricultural Statistics Service, Aug. 23.
Precipitation was scattered throughout the state with Missoula receiving the largest amount of rainfall at 1.24 inches. Montana's forecast for the week of Aug. 30 through Sept. 5 shows normal temperatures and near normal precipitation. Normal temperatures for this period range from highs in the 70s to lower 80s and lows from the middle 30s to the lower 50s.
The scattered rainfall during the past week has delay spring Wheat and durum Wheat harvest in the Northeast part of the state. If the slow crop development and harvesting continues, the crop that is still out in the field could be in danger of frost damage. Also, crop conditions for the majority of the small grains are beginning to decline due to the lack of growing degree days and wet weather. Winter Wheat is 98 percent ripe, and 81 percent harvested, which is behind last year and the five-year average.
Spring Wheat is 97 percent turning, 61 percent ripe, and 30 percent harvested, which is behind last year and the five-year average. Durum Wheat is 97 percent headed, 65 percent turning, 18 percent ripe, and 5 percent harvested, which is significantly behind last year. Barley is 99 percent turning, 78 percent ripe, and 43 percent harvested, which is slightly behind last year and the five-year average. Oats are 97 percent turning, 69 percent ripe, and 37 percent harvested, which is behind last year and the five-year average. Corn and Potatoes conditions declined slightly this week, while Sugar Beet condition improved slightly. The second cutting of Alfalfa hay and Other hay is currently at 52 percent and 39 percent complete, respectively, behind last year's progress due to the wet weather.
Range and pasture feed condition improved slightly this week, due to the wet weather.
Date: 8/25/04
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