MWBC Crop Conditions: State of Emergency
AGRICULTURAL SUMMARY: Warm temperatures and dry conditions persisted across Montana during the past week, according to
the Mountain Regional Field Office of the National Agricultural Statistics Service, USDA. Reporters across the state noted producers
are debating cutting grain crops for hay and reducing livestock herds due to the drought. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, 91
percent of the state is under drought conditions, with 48 percent in severe to exceptional drought. Topsoil moisture conditions for the
state were 22 percent adequate to surplus, compared to 43 percent in the previous week and 77 percent the previous year. Subsoil
moisture conditions were rated 30 percent adequate to surplus compared to 80 percent the previous year. Barley booted was estimated
at 56 percent, behind the previous year at 58 percent and the 5-year average of 63 percent. Dry edible bean emergence is almost complete
with an estimated 91 percent of the crop emerged, slightly ahead of the previous year at 90 percent. Dry edible peas blooming is estimated
at 45 percent complete, ahead of the previous year at 36 percent, but behind the 5-year average of 53 percent. Durum wheat booted is
estimated at 31 percent complete, ahead of the previous year of 25 percent, but behind the 5-year average of 37 percent. The oilseed
crop continues to progress well, with an estimated 22 percent of the flaxseed crop blooming, and mustard seed blooming is estimated at
34 percent complete. Oats booted is estimated at 42 percent complete, ahead of the previous year at 40 percent, but behind the 5-year
average of 45 percent. Spring wheat booted is estimated at 55 percent complete, slightly ahead of the previous year at 54 percent. Winter
wheat was reported with 72 percent of the crop headed, behind the previous year at 75 percent and the 5-year average of 80 percent. An
estimated 7 percent of the winter wheat crop has turned color. Winter wheat conditions were rated as 44 percent good to excellent,
compared to 87 percent this time last year.
Tour De Farming MT 2021
Currently on stage 7 of 21 in this years Tour De France is shaping out to depict Montana's growing season well. On stage 1 an excited fan cause the entire race in a massive crash upending the prospective winners. Throughout the growing season the concern of drought has cause dramatic price fluctuations and turmoil. Conditions in the state are spotty, some producers has evaded the crash with spotty rains while others have crashed head on injuring the crop for the rest of the season. Few have been hit hard enough by the drought forcing them to cut their losses pull out of the race, and swathed their crops for hay. With roughly 2 weeks left in the race, its going to end sooner than usual and there will be no shortage drop outs and losers. Few will win and they will win big. Favorable prices and fewer acreage reported by the recent USDA report put pressure our quality conscious buyers. Yes i indeed drew parallels between cycling and farming (my 2 favorite things).
Montana is now in a drought state of emergency, seeing record dry conditions. Soil conditions and crop conditions dropped 20-40% in the most recent NASS report.
“Every region of the state faces severe to extreme drought conditions, and the situation is getting worse. These alarming drought conditions are devastating our ag producers, challenging our tourism industry, and could bring a severe wildfire season,” Gov. Gianforte said. “This emergency order makes available all necessary state government resources to mitigate the impacts of this drought and protect Montanans.”
BEARS BEARS BEARS!!! To add to the turmoil of the Tour De Farming MT 2021. Our western producers have grizzly bears snooping around their farmsteads looking for spend grain. Please be bear aware and bring protection and plan.
In Choteau Montana producers have some back yard visitors, apart from the drought concern safety is a constant stressor.
The Calm Before the Combines; United Grain Moccasin MT
Guaranteeing a clean/safe product takes a detail oriented, highly skilled elevator team. United Grain Corporation in Moccasin Montana prepares for another top notch winter and spring wheat crop. Anticipating harvest for our quality conscious pacific rim partners is a big job. Emptying the elevator with 1 last shuttle headed to Portland OR...
At the Huntley Montana field day, the discussion sentiment switched from high yields and weed control to drought resistant efforts. Montana State University and MWBC have been focused on combating low moisture conditions for over 50 years. With technologies like stay-green traits, semi dwarf varieties and improving winter programs have kept Montana a top Wheat and Barley producing state. At Moccasin MT a pathologist is working on exciting possibilities of developing a drought resistant inoculate, drought resistant microbes in the soil have been identified to help the small grain potentially improve drought resistance. The forward thinking work at Montana research centers will keep Montana a top grain state for many years to come.
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
We will be on vacation next week, Stay tuned for an early harvest and reports coming mid-July
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