|
|
Small grain harvest ahead of averageMontana During the week ending Aug. 12, Montana received light precipitation, according to the National Agricultural Statistics Service, Montana Field Office, Aug. 13. Every weather station had less than an inch of moisture or none during the past week. Plentywood received the most moisture with 0.76 of an inch for the week. Temperatures cooled down from the previous week. Glendive and Hardin shared the high temperature of 102 degrees, and Swan Lake had the low temperature of 29 degrees. Topsoil moisture adequate and surplus is 14 percent, above last week's 12 percent and last year's 9 percent but below the five-year average of 24 percent. Subsoil moisture adequate and surplus, at 20 percent, is down slightly from last week's 21 percent but is above last year's 15 percent and the five-year average of 19 percent. The number of days suitable for fieldwork decreased from 6.9 days the previous week to 6.8 days. The weather outlook for Aug. 20 through 26 is for above normal temperatures and below normal precipitation east of the continental divide and for near normal temperatures and below normal precipitation west of the divide. Normal temperatures for this period in Montana are highs in the mid 70s to the upper 80s and lows in the upper 30s to the upper 50s. Farmers are harvesting all of the small grain crops ahead of normal when comparing this week to the five-year averages. Temperatures were hotter earlier last year which is why harvesting is behind last year for winter, spring, and durum wheat. Seventy-six percent of alfalfa and 54 percent of all other hay has been cut a second time. Reports from the northeast district indicate spring wheat yields and test weights are being affected by the combination of high temperatures and low moisture. Range and pasture feed condition declined from the previous week with 39 percent good to excellent and 46 percent the previous week. Date: 8/15/07
Copyright/Privacy
Copyright 1995-2012. High Plains Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved. Any republishing of these pages, including electronic reproduction of the editorial archives or classified advertising, is strictly prohibited. If you have questions or comments you can reach us at High Plains Journal 1500 E. Wyatt Earp Blvd., P.O. Box 760, Dodge City, KS 67801 or call 1-800-452-7171. Email: webmaster@hpj.com |
|
