HELENA (AP) Montana farmers are working overtime trying
to get spring crops planted, but moisture problems are
beginning to show and livestock producers are seeing little
grass growth, say statistics released Monday.
The Montana Agricultural Statistics Service said weather was
cooperative last week for fieldwork and planting, and farmers
made good progress but still remain behind last year.
Topsoil moisture also declined and is now rates at very short
or short for a majority of the state, with some winter wheat
beginning to show drought stress, the report said.
The agency reported these planting figures, compared with last
year:
- Spring wheat now 30 percent complete; 50 percent last
year;
- Barley seeded 29 percent; 51 percent last year;
- Oats 31 percent; 37 percent last year;
- Sugar beets planted 41 percent; 88 percent last year;
- Dry bean planting 9 percent; 16 percent last year.
Calving and lambing are nearing completion, the report
said, but there are continuing concerns about water shortages
for livestock. Pastures are starting to green, but dont
seem to be growing much, the report said, and some producers
fear there may be less forage and theyre now running out of
hay. |