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Recent moisture hinders harvestMontana Most of Montana received below normal precipitation for the week ending Aug. 31, according to the National Agricultural Statistics Service, Sept. 2. The northwest and north central districts received above normal precipitation. West Glacier received the most weekly accumulated precipitation at 1.20 inches. Highs ranged from 80s to 100s, and lows mostly ranged from 30s to 40s. Roundup, Hardin, and Huntley shared the high temperature of 105 degrees, and Wisdom had the low temperature of 29 degrees. Topsoil moisture adequate and surplus, at 46 percent, is above last week's 18 percent, last year's 14 percent, and the five-year average of 19 percent. Subsoil moisture adequate and surplus is 37 percent, above last week's 20 percent, last year's 19 percent, and the five-year average of 18 percent. The number of days suitable for field work was 5.8 days, down from the previous week's 6.0 days. The weather outlook for Sept. 9 to 15 is for near normal temperatures and below normal precipitation east of the continental divide and for above normal temperatures and below normal precipitation west of the divide. Normal temperatures for this period in Montana are highs in the upper 60s to 70s and lows in the lower 30s to 50 degrees. Durum wheat has all turned color. Farmers still haven't caught up to last year's progress of harvesting the small grains. Recent moisture may affect when producers will be able to finish harvesting, but fire danger should be less of a concern now. This year's corn crop is looking good with 81 percent good to excellent compared to the five-year average of 65 percent. Few corn producers have begun harvest. Range and pasture feed conditions have improved from the previous week. Thirty-nine percent is good to excellent this week, compared to 27 percent last week, 30 percent last year, and 22 percent for the five-year average. Conditions should stay fine as most of the state received adequate moisture over the last couple days. 9/8/08 Date: 9/3/08 Advertisement
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