|
|
More moisture needed across stateMontana Montana received below normal precipitation for the week ending June 29, according to the National Agricultural Statistics Service, Montana Field Office, June 30. Scobey had 2.62 inches of moisture, the most during the week. The only other two cities receiving more than an inch of rain were Culbertson and Albion with 1.16 and 1.01 inches, respectively. Highs were mostly in the 80s and 90s, and lows were mostly in the 30s and 40s. Drummond and Superior shared the high temperature of 97 degrees, and Cascade had the low temperature of 33 degrees. Topsoil moisture adequate and surplus, at 65 percent, is below last week's 78 percent, last year's 72 percent, and the five-year average of 69 percent. Subsoil moisture adequate and surplus, at 59 percent, is unchanged from last week, below last year's 72 percent, and above the five-year average of 56 percent. The number of days suitable for field work was 6.5 days. The weather outlook for July 7 through July 13 is for above normal temperatures and near normal precipitation both east and west of the continental divide. Normal temperatures for this period in Montana are highs in the mid 70s to the mid 80s and lows ranging from 40 degrees to the upper 50s. More moisture is needed across the state, especially in the North Central district. Barley, durum wheat, and winter wheat conditions have declined from the previous week, while oats and spring wheat have improved. All of the small grains, pulse crops, and most of the oilseeds are progressing slower than last year. A few winter wheat fields have started turning. More farmers have begun cutting hay, but the progress is still behind last year and the five-year average. Fifty-six percent of range and pasture feed condition is good and excellent, the same as last week. Seventy-two percent was good to excellent last year, and the five-year average was 54 percent. 7/7/08 Date: 7/1/08
Copyright/Privacy
Copyright 1995-2011. 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 |
|
