MWBC Crop Conditions: Planting in a Drought
According to NASS: Some moisture was received across the state of Montana last week, but drought conditions persist, according to the Mountain Regional Field Office of the National Agricultural Statistics Service, USDA. Topsoil moisture conditions were 42 percent adequate to surplus, down significantly from the previous year at 87 percent. Subsoil moisture conditions were 37 percent adequate to surplus. Barley planted was estimated at 71 percent complete, slightly behind the 5-year average of 76 percent. Planting of dry edible beans progressed well this week, with an estimated 45 percent of the crop planted, behind the 5-year average of 55 percent. Durum wheat planting progressed, with an estimated 44 percent of the crop planted. Oats planted is estimated at 49 percent complete. Oilseed planting is progressing well, with an estimated 44 percent of canola and 46 percent of flaxseed planted, both behind the 5-year averages of 49 percent and 47 percent, respectively. Spring wheat planted was reported at 71 percent complete, equal to the previous year and the 5-year average. Sugarbeet planting progressed well, with an estimated 62 percent of the crop planted, well behind the 5-year average of 84 percent. Winter wheat conditions were rated as 48 percent good to excellent compared to 72 percent this time last year. Calving and lambing are wrapping up, with 95 percent of cows calved and 91 percent of ewes lambed.
“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.
Adam is a fifth-generation farmer from Daniels County. He currently is in business with his parents. Adam has spent the past nine years raising wheat, durum, peas, lentils and a few other crops along the way. He was born in Scobey and raised north of Peerless. He graduated from Scobey High School, then attended the University of Montana and graduated with a degree in Business Management. After college Adam moved home to help on the family farm. Adam was appointed to be director of the Montana Wheat and Barley Committee in 2018. He also serves on the Northern Crop Institute Board, National Pasta Association and is a Director on Nemont. During the winter he helps the Daniels Country Sno-Chasers by raising money for college scholarships for local students.
Adam's optimism is scheduled to pay off, additional rain is on its way. Drought has been the story of the spring planting conditions which will hopefully be put to rest in the next 2 weeks. Precipitation is possible through the next few weeks, what falls is yet to be said. There's always something to be concerned about, what's next? grasshoppers are hatching, rust is flying north thanks to southern wheat harvests on the way, scab, wireworms and the dreaded sawflies. Resiliency is key, our producers know that the uncertainty of growing conditions typically result in the highest quality small grains.
Conditions have improved and planting is on pace. Our international customers have the challenge of securing small grains with foresight, dynamic markets and shipping delays. For that, we thank you.
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 =)
-Sam Anderson
WBC@mt.gov
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