MONTANA CROPS & LIVESTOCK - 1982 



JANUARY: Arctlc air covered most of the state during most of the month. Snowcover was fair and wind damage to 

 winter wheat was light. Temperatures averaged 5 to 15 degrees below normal. February: The first two weeks were 

 very cold--15 to 20 degrees below normal. During the third week temperatures moderated and new record highs 

 occurred in many areas of the southern half of the state. The last week was cold in the north but mild elsewhere. 

 Above normal precipitation fell over much of the state. Winter wheat remained in fair to good condition, march: 

 Temperatures were near normal except in the west where they averaged 5 degrees above normal, and parts of the 

 north central and central which had temperatures 2 to 5 degrees below normal. Snowcover was adequate for winter 

 wheat. Calving and lambing were often difficult, april: Unsettled weather slowed spring seeding to below the aver- 

 age mark for the month. Moisture was generally adequate and winter wheat began to break dormancy. Nearly 80% of 

 the calves and lambs were dropped by month's end with some death losses reported due to cold, wet conditions. 

 MAY: Generally a cool, wet month. Seeding lagged behind normal and growth and development of both winter wheat 

 and spring crops were slowed. Cattle movement to summer ranges was retarded, june: Cool, wet weather continued 

 until nearly mid-month. Seeding completion was delayed until about the 20th. By month's end all crops were still 

 behind normal in development, but in good condition. Moisture was generally adequate, july: Temperatures began to 

 warm during the second half of the month speeding crop development and maturity. Rainfall kept soil moisture at 

 adequate levels. Although maturity was slow crops were in good condition, august: Harvest fell behind because of 

 delayed maturity and scattered rain showers. During the second half of the month warm and dry weather helped to 

 speed progress but by month's end crop harvest activities were still behind schedule. September: September was an 

 ideal month for crop development and harvest activities. By the end of the month everything was almost on schedule. 

 Soil moisture was poor for the start of winter wheat seeding, october: The month started wet, but dry conditions 

 prevailed most of the second half. Temperatures were mostly mild. Harvest of all crops was finished during the 

 month and winter wheat seeding continued later than normal. November: Soil moisture remained adequate helping 

 winter wheat. Livestock were returned from summer ranges. Grazing continued for about half of the state's cattle 

 herd at month's end. December: Snowcover was poor. A cold wave hit for about 10 days at mid-month, but normal 

 temperatures returned after that. Winter wheat was in good condition. 



ii:'L.v..' 





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