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Topsoil, subsoil moisture levels improveMontana Montana received light precipitation during the week ending April 27, according to the National Agricultural Statistics Service, Montana Field Office, April 28. Rudyard had the most moisture at 0.70 of an inch. Temperatures cooled significantly from the previous week. Several low temperature records were set on April 21 and 22. Thompson Falls and Roundup shared the high temperature during the week of 72 degrees, and the low temperature of minus 9 degrees was recorded at Rogers Pass. Topsoil moisture adequate and surplus is 36 percent, above last week's 31 percent, but below last year's 86 percent and the five-year average of 69 percent. Subsoil moisture adequate and surplus is 22 percent, slightly above last week's 21 percent, but below last year's 67 percent and the five-year average of 48 percent. Both topsoil and subsoil moisture conditions have improved over the past few weeks. The number of days suitable for field work was 4.7 days. The weather outlook for May 5 through May 11 is for below normal temperatures and above normal precipitation east of the continental divide and for near normal temperatures and above normal precipitation west of the divide. Normal temperatures for this period in Montana are highs in the mid 50s to the upper 60s and lows in the upper 20s to the lower 40s. Most crops have a higher percent planted this year than last year. A few crops have started emerging, and winter wheat is starting the boot stage. Reports indicate that the poor moisture received this year has some farmers reseeding their winter wheat. Some farmers have started irrigation. Ranchers have begun moving livestock off winter pastures and onto summer ranges. Some livestock have not been turned out yet due to cold temperatures. Overall, around 80 percent of cattle and sheep are still receiving supplemental feed compared to 65 percent last year. Range and pasture feed conditions remain worse than last year and the five-year average. 5/5/08 Date: 4/30/08
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