MWBC Crop Conditions: 95% of Durum Poor to Very Poor
Hot temperatures and minimal moisture continue across Montana during the past week, according to the Mountain Regional Field Office of the National Agricultural Statistics Service, USDA. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, 100 percent of the state is under drought conditions, with 77 percent in severe to exceptional drought. Reporters across the state noted that high temperatures, minimal moisture, and grasshoppers continue to deteriorate crop conditions. Topsoil moisture conditions for the state were 3 percent adequate to surplus, on par with the previous week but below 70 percent the previous year. Subsoil moisture conditions were rated 3 percent adequate to surplus compared to 77 percent the previous year. Barley turning color was estimated at 62 percent, ahead of the previous year at 54 percent, and equal to the 5-year average. Harvest for dry edible peas progresses ahead of normal, with an estimated 47 percent of the crop harvested, compared to the 5-year average of 15 percent. Durum wheat headed is estimated at 88 percent complete, ahead of the previous year of 84 percent, and on par with the 5-year average. The oilseed crop continues turning color, with an estimated 30 percent of flaxseed and 43 percent of the mustard seed crop turning color. Canola turning color is estimated at 50 percent complete, ahead of the previous year at 45 percent and the 5-year average of 49 percent. Oats turning color is estimated at 45 percent complete, ahead of the 5-year average of 35 percent. Spring wheat turning color continues ahead of normal, with an estimated 54 percent of the crop turned, ahead of the previous year and 5-year average at 44 percent and 37 percent, respectively. First cutting alfalfa is almost complete, with an estimated 95 percent of the crop harvested. First cutting of other hay is estimated at 89 percent complete, ahead of the previous year at 78 percent. Second cutting has begun for both crops, with an estimated 5 percent of alfalfa and 1 percent of other hay cut. Winter wheat harvest continues ahead of the ordinary, with an estimated 26 percent harvested, ahead of both the previous year and 5-year average of 9 percent and 19 percent, respectively. Winter wheat conditions were rated as 1 percent good to excellent, compared to 83 percent this time last year.
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Hot and dry conditions have sparked several concerning wildfires, giving the state an Armageddon feeling. A few wildfires (Harris Mountain, Trail Creek) have burned 20+ thousand acres with 0% containment. Executive director Cassidy Marn is experiencing the divide complex fire firsthand, helping friends evacuate and moving cattle. Red sunsets and white skies have created a catch-22 scenario, as harvest progresses rain can spark pre-harvest sprout, but also help with forest fires. We certainly would take a few inches none the less.
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The forecast for the next 7 days across the state is looking to see 90-100F (32C-37C) with no moisture in sight. The possibility of dropping into the 85F-90F (29C-31C) late next week will give some much-needed slight relief on the heat our firefighters and producers are experiencing. Working outside at these temperatures can be dangerous, heat stress and dehydration can take a tole on your health. Please be aware of your hydration levels and signs of heat stroke.
Durum cash prices have jumped to $9-$12/BU while the very poor conditions have dropped from 28% to 51% from last week, expect to see continued price shifts. Spring wheat very poor conditions dropped from 35% to 51%. Overall, 95% of durum is rated poor to very poor and spring wheat at 87%. These shifts into very poor conditions are unlike anything we have ever seen. Winter wheat possibly being Montana’s best quality small grain this year seeing 23% very poor, 33% poor, 43% fair, 1% good, 0% excellent.
In the case of canola, canola seed can sprout in the pod which is caused by a plant hormone response to heat and drought induced stress which is being observed in northeastern Oregon. Click on the image below for the full Instagram post.
Montana Wheat and Barley Committee has placed a webcam in the heart of the golden triangle at Havre, MT. Giving you a LIVE look at the spring wheat crop, as it is expected to be harvested this week. Stay tuned on the webcam and you may catch Montana State Universities plot combine funded by the committee harvesting spring wheat variety trials. This webcam project is an exciting new venture giving buyers a real look at connecting weather conditions to a LIVE crop response. We hope to enhance this project, create time lapse/highlights giving you insight in buying decisions. Click the image below to view the Live Field Experience on YouTube.
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