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Fieldwork underway in some areasMontana experienced light to moderate precipitation for the week ending April 16, and there were 4.0 days suitable for field work, according to the Montana Agricultural Statistics Service, April 17. Topsoil moisture adequate and surplus at 82 percent is well ahead of last year's 55 percent. Subsoil moisture improved from last week's 57 percent adequate and surplus to 63 percent this week, and is well ahead of last year's 23 percent. The weather outlook for April 24 through 30 is for above normal temperatures and near normal precipitation east of the divide, and for above normal temperatures and below normal precipitation west of the divide. Normal temperatures for this period are for highs in the upper 40s to upper 50s, and for lows in the lower 20s to the mid 30s. Field tillage work is underway in some areas, but lags behind last year. Reports indicate many operators are waiting for more suitable weather to get started with tillage work. Reports indicate diminishing frost in the soil due to warmer temperatures and precipitation. Winter Wheat condition has improved due to increased moisture. Winter Wheat green and growing increased from 33 percent last week to 80 percent this week. Winter Wheat green and growing is similar to last year's 81 percent for this period. Reports indicate some operators are optimistic regarding the upcoming Wheat harvest. Durum planting is just underway with 2 percent, the same as the five-year average. Small grain planting is behind last year. Range and pasture feed condition improved slightly from last week and continues to be well ahead of last year. The amount of open grazing is similar to last year. Operators continue to provide about the same percentage of supplemental feed to cattle and sheep as last year. Date: 4/19/06
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