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Wheat harvest off to a slow startMontana Light to moderate precipitation was received across Montana during the week ending Aug. 10, according to the National Agricultural Statistics Service, Montana Field Office, Aug. 11. Hardin received the most moisture during the week at 1.17 inches. Highs were mostly in the 80s to 90s, and lows ranged from 30s to 50s. Fort Assinniboine, Roundup, and Hardin all reached the high of 100 degrees. Wisdom had the low temperature of 31 degrees. Topsoil moisture adequate and surplus, at 23 percent, is above last week's 17 percent, last year's 14 percent, and the five-year average of 17 percent. Subsoil moisture adequate and surplus is 25 percent, below last week's 26 percent, but above last year's 20 percent and the five-year average of 18 percent. The number of days suitable for field work was 6.6 days, down from the previous week's 6.7 days. The weather outlook for Aug. 18 through 24 is for above normal temperatures and below normal precipitation both east and west of the continental divide. Normal temperatures for this period in Montana are highs in the upper 70s to the upper 80s and lows in the upper 30s to 60 degrees. Winter wheat harvest is off to a slow start this year due to the delayed growing season. The harvesting of other small grains and pulse crops is also behind compared to last year. Spring crops are turning quickly due to dry conditions. Rain showers have been scattered this summer, but few areas have received significant rainfall. The first cutting of all hay is almost finished. Barley conditions are similar to the previous week, while conditions of the other small grains have declined. Many farmers were harvesting dry beans and oilseeds this week. A few more ranchers have moved their livestock off summer ranges. Thirty-nine percent of range and pasture feed conditions are rated good to excellent this week, compared to 31 percent last week, 41 percent last year, and 31 percent for the five-year average. 8/18/08 Date: 8/13/08
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