Central Montana Crop Update with Dr. Pat Carr at the Central Ag Research Center.

Recent weather systems have left much of Montana cool and wet. Central Montana in particular has benefited greatly from the recent rain. Planting remains slightly delayed in this region and weeds are a bit more prominent since the fields have been too wet to spray. However, the crop in this region is fairing very well.

More on the Central Ag Research Center...
The Central Agricultural Research Center was established in 1907 when Governor J.K. Toole signed House Bill No. 450 authorizing the Montana Agricultural Experiment Station to establish its first branch station in the Judith Basin. From 1907 - 1926 it was called the Judith Basin Substation; 1927 - 1944, the Judith Basin Branch Station; and 1945 - 1970, the Central Montana Branch Station. In 1971 the name changed to the present Central Agricultural Research Center.

CARC's location on the plains of central Montana was considered ideal for testing grains, trees and cultural practices because it was commonly believed that "if it will survive in Moccasin, it will survive anywhere in the Northern Plains." Today, CARC tests grains, forages and oil-seed crops and conducts research on cropping systems, weed control and soil fertility.

Our forage production projects include "clipping studies" that simulate the amount of forage growth that would occur under various grazing frequencies under dryland conditions. Currently, 480 acres at CARC are farmed. The remaining land consists of range, roadways, shelter belts, railroad, creek bottom and headquarters area.

Over the years thousands of plots have been seeded and harvested to test varieties, study diseases, insects, weeds, cropping and tillage systems, fertilizers and forages. These trials have helped mold agricultural practices in central Montana.