Scattered thunderstorms made their way across NW ND in a few different waves last week, July 6-12. The first round of storms on Tuesday the 7^th dropped about 0.5-1.0” rain in McKenzie, Williams, and Mountrail Counties but not much in Divide or Burke. Isolated storms on Friday the 10^th provided 0.1-0.5” to parts of Williams and Divide. Some isolated pockets of hail were seen but there have been no reports of widespread crop damage. There were some very strong winds associated with the storms and some lodging due to high winds is to be expected.

For crop development, winter wheat has turned color and is drying down quickly. The Montana State winter wheat breeding plots at the Williston REC are medium to hard dough and will be ready for harvest next week. Early planted spring wheat is in the milk stage while later planted fields are heading to flowering. Some pea fields are starting to turn color already, demonstrating just how quickly the crop was pushed by dry conditions in May and June. Some canola fields are still flowering though most are winding down. The recent rains could help support a second cutting of dryland alfalfa hay if more moisture is received.

Clair Keene

Extension Cropping Systems Specialist

NDSU Williston Research Extension Center