Topsoil moisture levels decline slightly

Montana

During the week ending May 21, Montana received light precipitation, according to the Montana Agricultural Statistics Service, May 22.

Topsoil moisture adequate and surplus at 45 percent decreased from last week's 67 percent and is behind last year and the five-year average. Subsoil adequate and surplus at 53 percent decreased from last week's 55 percent, but remains ahead of last year's 38 percent and the five-year average of 34 percent.

The forecast for May 29 to June 4 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 highs in the mid 60s to mid 70s and lows in the lower 30s to 50.

Reports indicate concern about the condition of Wheat and other small grains crops, and the ability of the crops to cope with the dry, warm, windy conditions prevailing in some areas. There were 6.7 days suitable for field work last week, and 97 percent of tillage work is well underway. The majority of small grain planting is near completion. More than half of barley and oats are emerged. Spring Wheat and durum Wheat emergence is behind last year, however durum Wheat is ahead of the five-year average.

Some grassy pasture areas were reported as drying up, however most of the state is in fair to good condition. Ranchers are supplementing feed to less than 20 percent of cattle and sheep. Ranchers continue to move livestock to summer ranges. Calving and lambing are near completion.

Date: 5/24/06

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