MONTANA 1989 PRODUCTION HGHUGHTS 



Crop production in Montana in 1989 was above the average of the 1980s--which included 2 major drought years. 

 All wheat production, at 145 million bushels, was 15 percent above the decade average; barley production, at 68.8 

 million bushels, was 11 percent above; and all hay production, at 4.5 million tons, was 10 percent above. The value of 

 Montana's crop production, at $1.1 billion, was topped only by the crops of 1981 and 1982. 



Planting Montana's 1989 crop was delayed because of cool and wet weather. However, nearly 40 percent of the 

 winter wheat had to be reseeded due to extensive winter kill. Considerable alfalfa acreage also did not survive the 

 winter. Yet, by the end of June, prospects were mostly improved over 1988's major drought. Hot and dry weather the 

 first half of July diminished prospects somewhat, and the eastern third of Montana continued dry throughout the major 

 part of the growing season. 



Harvest was delayed because of the slow seeding start and late August rains. Considerable barley acreage was 

 damaged by sprouting in the head. Spring wheat was also adversely affected. By October 1, harvest was virtually 

 complete for small grains. The state's sugar beet crop suffered from curly top and com intended for grain was severely 

 frosted in early September. 



Bu. 



Thous $ 



I All Mtimalw for 1969 «fe pfeliminary ^ Planted acreage ol com fof all purposes. "* Price of baled hay ^ Utilized production in actOal tons 

 Excludes sugar beets value 



