Positive Winter Wheat Yields Expected in Montana’s Golden Triangle
Winter wheat harvesters in Monatana's Golden Triangle are expecting positive yields this year thanks to favorable weather conditions
According to a recent article from the Great Falls Tribune, winter wheat harvest yields are expected to be above average in Montana’s Golden Triangle thanks to timely spring rains.
Harvesting in Montana’s Golden Triangle (an area in the north-central part of the state with prime wheat growing conditions) has just begun, as just 1% of winter wheat has been harvested, according to the USDA’s crop progress report. However, the yield outlook is very positive.
Much of the expected success can be attributed to a reversal of traditional Montana weather happenings, according to Ryan McCormick, the Montana Grain Growers Association president. Typically, soil conditions start out wet in April and May, drying out as the summer moves in. This year has been very different, as dry conditions were evident early on, becoming more wet throughout July thanks to timely rains, he says.
Lola Raska, executive vice president of the Montana Grain Growers Association, said in the article, “A lot of winter wheat has been swathed between the Great Falls and Big Sandy areas, and most Golden Triangle Area farmers probably will be harvesting with combines within a week or so. The crop looks really good, from what farmers have been reporting, with above average yields.”
Winter wheat harvesters have a lot to look forward to in Montana’s Golden Triangle according to local experts, as spring rains primed the soil for a successful 2013 yield.