BILLINGS — As another growing season begins, so too does the Montana Grain Growers Association annual crop survey.
The growers' executive vice president, Lola Raska, says the survey features weekly reports from growers and it’s an informal look at crop progress across Montana.
“This is actually our 20th year of doing the crop survey,” said Raska. “We've been surveying farmers every growing season ever since we started market manager. And it's really a popular feature on our website. We've had some really faithful contributors over the years.”
She says while the survey isn’t conducted scientifically, it does provide valuable insight from Montana farmers.
“The USDA National Ag Statistics Service (NASS) crop survey is great because they compile an average information region-wide and state-wide,” said Raska.
“Those numbers are great. But what's really different about what we do is the personal comments from our producers. It’s my favorite part and it’s really the section that our growers have grown to use frequently. And they're very candid about their comments.”
She says that’s even more important this year.
“You know, especially in this time right now where social gatherings are becoming more and more limited and that getting together with other farmers at field days and events is restricted now,” said Raska. “This is an outlet for them to share everything like they would when they get together with other producers.”
The Montana Grain Growers Association annual crop survey continues through harvest and comments are posted each Tuesday morning online.
