Scattered rains delay harvest

Scattered rain was observed throughout the state during the week ending Sept. 2, delaying harvest in some counties, according to USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, Mountain Regional Field Office, Montana. The high temperature for the state was recorded in Terry Meso at 92 degrees. The low temperature for the week was recorded in Yellowstone at 18 degrees. Precipitation was reported at 97 weather stations. The highest recorded precipitation for the week was in Zortman with 1.66 inches of moisture. Topsoil moisture conditions for the state were 39 percent adequate to surplus, above last year’s 3 percent. Subsoil moisture conditions were 36 percent adequate to surplus which is above last year’s 9 percent. The first frost as well as hail were observed in Judith Basin County, although the effect on safflower and other crops is yet to be determined. Pasture in the county was reported to be in good condition despite little moisture. Pastures were not faring as well in Lake and Sanders counties where cows were being brought home early, according to reporters. Prairie County noted that rainfall shelled beans that had been cut for harvest. Yellowstone County reported that recent moisture lead to some sprout in grains.