Author: United States Department of Agriculture
Contributions: Sam Anderson
For the first time in two years, Montana is not in an extreme drought ! March 9th 2021 was the last report where a portion of the Treasure State was not in a D3 or higher drought status. While portions of the eastern high-line remain in the D2 (Severe Drought) -D1 (Moderate Drought) and most of the wheat and barley growing region in at least the D0 (Abnormally Dry).
Look to see a sparked optimism in planting intentions for the March 31st report. Most producers are hoping for a delayed planting situation, where snow and rain are abundant this spring. We still have a long ways to go to get back to normal but we are hopeful that April showers will bring July protein.
USDA Report
AGRICULTURAL SUMMARY:
Contact: Eric Sommer (800) 392-3202
CROP PROGRESS AND CONDITION MONTH OF MARCH 2023
The month of March brought below varying temperatures and snowy weather to the State of Montana, according to the Mountain Regional Field Office of the National Agricultural Statistics Service, USDA. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), temperatures for the month of March ranged from 52 degrees to nine degrees across the State. Drought conditions improved slightly in areas experiencing moderate, severe, and extreme drought; however, overall drought conditions continued to persist compared to the previous month, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor published on March 21, 2023. Over eighty- four percent of the State is experiencing drought conditions, compared with 95.0 percent at the end of February. The amount of land rated as abnormally dry increased from 26.9 percent at the end of February to 36 percent for the month of March. Moderate drought was present across 12 percent of the State, down from 44.3 percent at the end of February. Severe drought covered 0 percent of the State, down from last month’s 20 percent, and extreme drought was found in 0 percent of the State, down from last month’s 3.7 percent.
In Valley County, cold temperatures, heavy snowpack, and windy conditions were reported leading to stock losses and lower forage quality. Mineral, Missoula, and Ravalli Counties reported warmer days, colder nights, and moisture which led to some reports of pneumonia and scours in calves. Golden Valley and Musselshell County reported light snow and varying temperatures. Yellowstone County reports noted many inches of wet heavy snow of late. The states Winter wheat breaking dormancy was at 3 percent.
Note: A monthly report will be released for April on April 24, 2023. The first weekly report will be released on Monday, April 3, 2023.
