Montana

There were 6.3 days suitable for field work during the week ending July 17, with some parts of the state experiencing light precipitation, according to the Montana Agricultural Statistics Service, July 18.

Billings received the most moisture with 1.36 inches of precipitation. Topsoil moisture is 60 percent adequate and surplus, ahead of last year's 51 percent but behind last week's 80 percent. Subsoil moisture is 58 percent adequate and surplus compared with 64 percent last week and the five-year average of 26 percent.

Hot weather, hail, and wind have stressed some of the spring crops on dryland over the last week. Winter Wheat turning and condition are both ahead of the five-year average. Winter Wheat harvest is just beginning. Spring Wheat boot at 98 percent is just ahead of last year's 94 percent, along with headed of 84 percent, 81 percent last year. Reports indicate some areas of spring Wheat are stressed from hot temperatures and lack of moisture. Spring Wheat condition is better than last year. Durum Wheat boot at 88 percent is well ahead of last year's 70 percent, with 71 percent headed, 47 percent last year. Barley boot and headed progress are just ahead of last year. Barley condition is better than last year. Oat and dry bean conditions are better than last year and the five-year average. Hay harvest is well under way with alfalfa first cutting at 86 percent and other hay first cutting at 78 percent.

Range and pasture feed conditions remain well ahead of the one and five-year averages. This week conditions were reported as 3 percent very poor, 9 percent poor, 23 percent fair, 51 percent good, and 14 percent excellent. Range and Pasture feed conditions are ahead of last year's conditions of 13 percent very poor, 18 percent poor, 37 percent fair, 27 percent good, and 5 percent excellent.

Date: 7/19/05