Warm winter conditions continued into the first week of April and minimal moisture was received across the state of Montana, according to the Mountain Regional Field Office of the National Agricultural Statistics Service, USDA.
According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, approximately 83 percent of Montana is abnormally dry or in a current state of drought, with About 17 percent of the state in severe to exceptional drought. Reporters across the state noted producers have started getting into fields to prepare for planting. Topsoil moisture conditions were 24 percent adequate to surplus, down significantly from the previous year at 98 percent. Subsoil moisture conditions were 29 percent adequate to surplus. Planting progress was minimal across the state.