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Both topsoil, subsoil moisture levels improveMontana Montana received light to moderate precipitation during the week ending April 20, according to the National Agricultural Statistics Service, Montana Field Office, April 21. No area received over an inch of moisture, and Great Falls had the most during the week at 0.95 of an inch. Highs were mostly in the 70s and 80s, and lows were mostly in the high teens and 20s. Hardin had the high temperature during the week at 85 degrees, and White Sulphur Springs had the low temperature of 4 degrees. Topsoil moisture adequate and surplus is 31 percent, above last week's 29 percent, but below last year's 88 percent and the five-year average of 71 percent. Subsoil moisture adequate and surplus is 21 percent, above last week's 19 percent, but below last year's 70 percent and the five-year average of 48 percent. Both topsoil and subsoil moisture conditions have improved over the past couple of weeks. The number of days suitable for field work continues to increase. The weather outlook for April 28 through May 4 is for below normal temperatures and above normal precipitation both east and west of the continental divide. Normal temperatures for this period in Montana are highs in the lower 50s to the mid 60s and lows in the mid 20s to 40 degrees. The percent of livestock receiving supplemental feed is greater than last year and the five-year average. A few more pastures have opened up for grazing. Range and pasture feed conditions are similar to the previous week, but conditions are below last year and the five-year average. Field work is further along this year than last year, and almost all crops have a higher percent planted this year than the previous year. Winter wheat conditions have declined from last week with 31 percent good to excellent compared with 37 percent last week. Planting of all oilseeds and pulse crops has started. Most counties across the state are in need of moisture.
Date: 4/24/08
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