MWBC Crop Conditions: "We've Survived this Before"
According to NASS: Scattered storms, high winds and hail were observed across Montana last week, according to the Mountain Regional Field Office of the National Agricultural Statistics Service, USDA. Reporters noted several moisture events last week as well as an increase in grasshopper activity. Topsoil moisture conditions were 55 percent adequate to surplus. Subsoil moisture conditions were 51 percent adequate to surplus. Barley emerged is almost complete, with an estimated 95 percent emerged. Winter wheat conditions were rated as 35 percent good to excellent compared to 82 percent this time last year.
NASS has finally seen optimism across the state, at least during the reported dates. We have seen moisture improve in the topsoil and subsoil as well as conditions across the board improving. As the reports seem to have a slight delay of what has happened, the small amounts of rain the last few weeks brought on slight improvements. This week there has been a period of 2-3 days with 100-degree days, this early June heat can have a variety of negative effects. Heat damage, drought spots and less tiller will certainly drop yield expectations. The extreme heat seems to motivate the plant to produce seed before the foliage has had enough time to canopy.
Current drought conditions will look much different next week in the mean time, the scattered rains improved our outlook. Below is a timelapse of the last 20 years in the western U.S. Its a rather interesting look as drought conditions pretty much always exsist. One thing to point out is on Jan 1 2021 the benchline for the comparison changed and there is a alot more red that pops up!
At National Barley Growers Association: Buzz Mattelin put a sense of reality back to the group of leaders, “This is indeed a difficult year, but we have survived this before. In fact, this would be considered more of a normal year”. The last 3 years the state saw timely rains and big yields. As drought fears are most discussions, they seem to be amplified from our previous bumper crops bench line.
Major maltsters and brewers gave the expectation of an average crop. The struggle to source glass has now become a problem. U.S is open for business other exporters may not be back up to speed bringing big delays in some of the products we have become dependent on overseas. Adhesives and glue were also mentioned as hard to source. Aluminum cans were a huge struggle for the last year but are getting back to speed.
Taylor Brown from northern ag network spoke with the group giving a resurgence of optimism and energy. “In times of economic crisis and turmoil bring opportunity for those who were prepared,” said Brown. Cash in the bank can be one of the best ways to prepare for challenges ahead. Browns passion for leadership development is refreshing and admirable. He concluded his speech with a piece of advice for the group. “If you want to be heard, show up, with a plan, that’s written down!” People who follow that simple advice will be recognized and listened to; leadership will choose you. Like WWJD maybe Tayler should make bracelets that say SUWPWD? Thank you, Taylor, for the encouraging words.
Field days are back on! Look at the schedule CLICK HERE
Touring the Central Ag Research Center in Moccasin, Montana today looking at some of the unique research made possible with your checkoff dollars. This matrix study is an interesting look at crop rotation, come check it out at the field day on July 13th!
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
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