STATE OF MONTANA 11 



Crops and Livestock in Montana During 1950 



Crops — Total production of crops during 1950 reached a record high. The 

 acreage harvested of all crops totaled 9,172,700 acres, 523,700 acres more than 

 in 1949 and compares with 8,852,400 acres in 1948, the previous record pro- 

 duction year. 



The 1950 season opened several weeks later than normal and field work 

 was delayed by late snows, rains and excessive moisture. When tempera- 

 tures warmed, crops and grass made excellent growth. Soil moisture con- 

 tinued adequate throughout the growing season, with the exception of a few 

 eastern counties and in several western and southwestern sections where dry 

 conditions appeared periodically. Water for irrigation was in abundance. 

 Insect activity was restricted by the adverse spring weather, although cut- 

 worms and grasshoppers were troublesome in some areas. Grain harvest be- 

 gan later than usual and operations were continually delayed by cool, rainy 

 weather. Freezing temperatures in mid-August and early September damaged 

 a sizeable acreage of immature grain in the northern part of the state and hurt 

 late crops elsewhere. Mild weather in October permitted completion of harvest 

 operations. 



Montana's wheat production in 1950 reached 91,434,000 bushels, the sec- 

 ond highest of record. The spring wheat was harvested from 3,813,000 acres 

 and totaled 68,634,000 bushels, a record high production. Seeding operations 

 were delayed by the late, damp spring, but the good moisture supplies through- 

 out the summer resulted in excellent yields. A considerable acreage in the 

 north central portion of the state was damaged by the mid-August and Septem- 

 ber freezes. Much of this frosted wheat was of very poor quality and fit only 

 for feeding purposes. A total of 1,140,000 acres of winter wheat was harvested 

 with a production of 22,800,000 bushels. The fall seeded acreage was estimated 

 at 1,402,000 acres. Heavy winter kill in many sections and spotted cutworm, 

 damage resulted in sizeable abandonment and reseeding to spring wheat. 



Production of oats amounted to 15,651,000 bushels and barley totaled 

 23,430,000 bushels, considerably higher than in 1949. Seeding and harvesting 

 of these was hindered by the adverse spring and fall weather, but good sum- 

 mer growing weather resulted in fine yields. Early frost damaged many im- 

 mature fields. 



An estimated 2,651,000 tons of all hay was produced in 1950. The late 

 spring caused lighter than usual first cuttings of alfalfa and reduced yields 

 of clover and timothy. An increased acreage of wild hay was cut due to iha 

 favorable moisture situation. 



Flaxseed plantings were down, partly as a result of the late spring. 

 Growing conditions were good and yields were higher than in 1949. Mustard 

 seed was harvested from 36,900 acres, the highest since 1947. Yields were re- 

 duced by a hailstorm in the chief producing area and fall freeze damage. 



Crested wheatgrass made excellent growth, with cm increased acreage 

 cut for hay and seed. Acres harvested for seed totaled 34,000 acres, the highest 

 since 1944. Alfalfa seed yields were reduced by the early frosts. 



A considerable portion of the corn was damaged by the frosts in August 

 and September, with only a limited amount maturing. Freezing temperatures 

 also damaged some potatoes, causing storage difficulties. Most irrigated crops 

 made excellent growth during the season. 



