MONTANA'S 1988 CROP SEASON 



Total production for nost of Montana's crops decreased dramatically in 1988 due to 

 a major drought. However, crop yields were higher than in 1985, Montana's previous 

 year of a major crop disaster. Higher prices helped soften some of the impact of the 

 crop failure, but the total value of all crops was still nearly a fourth under the 

 previous year. 



The dry season started early in the spring and although rains from 3/4 to 1 1/2 



inches fell during June they were not enough to override the effects of a very dry July 



and August. Small grains matured ahead of schedule on very short straw and mostly thin 

 stands . 



Ranges and pastures made little or no growth during the entire season in most of 

 Montana. Many herds were culled or relocated early in the season and hay prices soared 

 to record-high levels. Calves were weaned and marketed ahead of schedule. Rains in 

 September started grass and weed growth in grain stubble, and softened range grasses. 



1/ All astinates Cor 1966 are preliminary. 2/ Planted acreage of corn for all purposes. 3/ Price of bali>^1 

 hay. 4/ Production in actual tons. 5/ Excluden sugarbeets value for comparability with I9(tB. 



