2026 Chouteau County Soil Moisture Survey Results
The Chouteau County Soil Moisture Survey was started by Judee Wargo in 1993 to assist farmers with determining recropping potential on cereal grain stubble. After 33 years, the Chouteau County Extension Office continues to compile data for determining recropping potential and providing the state drought committee with soil moisture information.
Testing for soil moisture took place in Chouteau County on March 23rd and 24th. All winter wheat locations exceeded 3.5 feet of stored soil moisture, which is equivalent to approximately 5.25 inches of available water in a sandy loam soil. A winter wheat crop in medium textured soils and favorable weather conditions will require only two inches of growing season precipitation to yield a 42 bushel crop.
All but one of the stubble plots located north and east of the
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Missouri River with the exception of plot 13 on Eagleton road south of Big Sandy rated in the poor range. In addition, plot 8 south of the Missouri River on the Big Sag Road a few miles west of Geraldine rated in the poor range. In these locations, producers will need four inches of growing season precipitation to get a 25- bushel yield for barley. For spring wheat, poor locations will need five inches of rain during the growing season to get a 25-bushel yield.
All stubble plots located south of the Missouri River near Geraldine and Highwood except for the plot on Big Sag Road had excellent recropping potential. Soil with excellent recropping potential under favorable conditions will require only four inches of growing season precipitation for 25-37 bushel per acre spring wheat crop. Under the same conditions, barley will require four inches of growing season precipitation for a 33-54 bushel per acre crop.
Hard copies of the 2026 Soil Moisture Survey are available at the Chouteau County Extension Office or can be e-mailed upon request.
Montana State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture and Montana Counties Cooperating. MSU Extension is an equal opportunity/affirmative action provider of educational outreach.