Winter Wheat planting lagging behind averages

Montana

During the week ending Sept. 17, Montana received light to moderate precipitation in the form of rain and snow, according to the Montana Field Office of the National Agricultural Statistics Service, Sept. 18.

Rapelje received the most moisture at 2.02 inches. Sheridan received record rainfall Sept. 17 at 1.37 inches. Albion was the warm spot of the state at 93 degrees. Wisdom experienced the coldest temperature of 20 degrees. There were 4.8 days suitable for field work last week. Topsoil moisture adequate and surplus, at 47 percent, increased from last week's 8 percent. Subsoil moisture adequate and surplus, at 21 percent, increased from the previous week's 10 percent.

The weather outlook for the period of Sept. 25 though Oct. 1 is for below normal temperatures and above normal precipitation both east and west of the continental divide. Normal temperatures for this time of year are highs in the 60s and for lows in the upper 20s to the lower 40s.

Winter Wheat planting is lagging behind last year's 43 percent complete, however it is near the five-year average of 28 percent complete. Durum Wheat harvest is coming to a close with 97 percent complete, well ahead of the five-year average. Barley harvest is near completion at 98 percent. Hay second cutting is still going on in select areas. Operators anticipate finishing harvest soon.

Range and pasture feed condition showed signs of improvement last week. Ranchers continue to move livestock from summer ranges to winter areas.

Date: 9/19/06

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