MWBC Crop Conditions; Eventful Week!
According to NASS: Much needed moisture fell across the state of Montana last week improving drought conditions, according to the Mountain Regional Field Office of the National Agricultural Statistics Service, USDA. Reporters in Golden Valley and Hill counties reported receiving snow and rain events the past week. Topsoil moisture conditions were 63 percent adequate to surplus, down from the previous year at 85 percent. Subsoil moisture conditions were 43 percent adequate to surplus. Barley planted was estimated at 83 percent complete, slightly behind the 5-year average of 86 percent. Corn plantings continue to progress well, with an estimated 56 percent of the crop planted, behind both the previous year and 5-year average of 76 percent and 70 percent, respectively. Planting of dry edible beans progressed well this week, with an estimated 64 percent of the crop planted, behind the 5-year average of 72 percent. Durum wheat planting progressed significantly, with an estimated 64 percent of the crop planted. Oats planted is estimated at 72 percent complete. Oilseed planting is progressing well, with an estimated 57 percent of canola and 63 percent of flaxseed planted. Spring wheat planted was reported at 87 percent complete, behind the previous year at 90 percent and ahead of the 5-year average of 85 percent. Sugarbeet planting progressed well, with an estimated 81 percent of the crop planted, well behind the previous year of 94 percent. Winter wheat conditions were rated as 52 percent good to excellent compared to 80 percent this time last year. Executive director Cassidy Marn represented Montana at the virtual U.S Wheat Japanese mid-season crop update. With over 100 attendees filled with our loyal buyers, we were able to give some good news on the rains received. The call was filled with cautious optimism, many factors involved in buying decisions with price and weather being the main topics.
Conditions improved, topsoil moisture is now considered majority adequate, while subsoil conditions still in need of a soaking. Montana received from 1-2 inches; we would like to see more moisture in the east central part of the state. The northeastern corner received upwards of 2 inches according to NASS. Planting is almost done, there will likely be a slow down due to the recent weather, but we are at line with the 5-year average.
In partnership with western ag network, Montana Department of Ag, and Agristudios we have been releasing stunning videos of what producers are experiencing this growing season. We encourage you to take a look at our Virtual Experience page. Cutting edge producers in Northeastern Montana describe why small grains and pulses in rotation provide numerous benefits, but they can’t make it rain... “All I can hope for is strong emergence to take advantage of the next rain…if it comes.” Adam Carney in Peerless, Montana shares what it is like to plant during a drought. Optimism is a key component of small grains production; rain is forecasted this week. Brighter days are always ahead in the treasure state. "We started out dry, 9 months of no moisture, so we ask ourselves should we plant? We've gotten after it, planted 18,000 Acers of durum and pulses, now we wait for rain" Farming to Blake Rasmussen is about taking risks to feed the world.
Below are a few photos taken of the winter wheat crop in the southern Havre MT area. Stands look great, with heavier disease pressure in this field. Another positive insight learned was according to Tyler Lane MSU Choteau country extension: Grasshopper hatchings were expected to start last week, yet moisture events during hatchings increase mortality rates. Field days are back on! Look at the schedule CLICK HERE
If you need help sourcing wheat and barley ingredients for your business, we would love to help. We will connect you with several options that provide numerous methods of delivery. All our wheat and barley suppliers can conduct negotiations virtually to fit your country or states regulations if needed, otherwise social distancing is not a problem out here.
Tags: Committee Updates and Industry News