Montana Wheat & Barley Committee

Last updated May 14,2013

 

This was a partial crop tour due to time constraints, that encompassed the Triangle area north to the Hi-line, east to Wolf Point, North to Scobey then over to Plentywood, south to Glendive, and across the center of the state to Great Falls. This was a total of 984 miles. The southern section, southwest, and any western sections will have to be done at a later date.Throughout the aforementioned area, much of the story was the same, with a late start to SW planting into dry topsoil, but with good sub-soil moisture.
 

CARTER TO LOMA – Good moisture and open seeding times, but some tear-out and reseeding being done due to frost damage. It seems to be spotty and depends on location. Many came through the freezes with no problems.
 

LOMA TO HAVRE – No one reported freeze damage, they have good sub-soil moisture and although running a little later than usual there is satisfaction with crops.
 

HAVRE TO MALTA – Much the same story was heard. Slow start due to cold temperatures but good heat has brought many areas up to normal in short order. Hot winds have been a hindrance to top soil, but all report good sub-soil moisture. Winter wheat is doing well, and Spring wheat is emerging and looking thick.
 

NORTHEAST CORNER – Heavy snows with late thaws slowed many areas. In some regions only 10% planted and some coulees still have snow in them. The producers are spending long hours in the fields. The Northeast regions, maybe more than most areas, are embracing peas and lentils as a rotational crop, with a lot of acres being dedicated to their use.
 

CULTBERTSON TO GLENDIVE – Again a slow start to planting, but when the time came to get in the fields there was nothing to delay planting. A long stretch of good weather has put producers to normal schedules. Reports put Winter wheat as looking great with Spring wheat planting about 2/3 complete.
 

LINDSAY TO STANFORD – The more southern regions are feeling more of the effects of the southland dry areas. They have subsoil moisture, but not in abundance, this area is in need of rain for the topsoil. The crops are a little light except in irrigated areas.

 

~Notice~

After much precipitation there is talk some farmers are considering being proactive and want to spray a fungicide to prevent stripe rust.