Cooler temperatures and mixed precipitation across Montana provided no real relief to dry conditions
according to the Mountain Regional Field Office of the National Agricultural Statistics Service, USDA.
Average temperatures ran as many as 5 degrees below normal in parts of the State according to data from the High Plains Regional Climate Center (HPRCC).
The majority of the State received at or below normal amounts of precipitation, also according to the HPRCC. Only isolated areas received
above average levels of moisture.
According to the US Drought Monitor report released August 10, 2023, the amount of land rated
drought free fell to 39 percent, compared with 36 percent the previous week.
Harvest in the Treasure State is above the 5 year average pace
Barley 51% (29% 5 Year Average)
Spring Wheat 39% (28% 5 Year Average)
Winter Wheat 70% (65% 5 Year Average)
Durum 27% (17% 5 Year Average)
Quality is Mixed
Proteins ranging from 10-17%, test weights 55-62 pounds, and yields are all over the board with the USDA’s August report showing negative changes over the July report. Overall we are thankful for our elevators to blend and average to crop to be a superior quality food ingredient:
Current Cash Prices are Lowering
Spring wheat, winter wheat and feed barley have been dropping, while durum is climbing due to the news of a suffering North American anticipated volume. Basis is ranging from one dollar to a dollar and a half under!
