COMMENTS ON GROWING CONDITIONS - 1971
 
 Some cooperators furnished brief descriptions of growing conditions, and they 
 are summarized here to aid in interpreting results.
 
 NORTH DAKOTA - Fargo, Langdon, Dickinson and Carrington had low temperatures 
 and adequate moisture which provided excellent growing conditions. Planting and 
 harvest dates were normal at the four stations. Based on soil tests, no 
 fertilizers were applied at the first 3 locations. At Carrington, 150 lbs/A of 
 19-19-0 were applied at planting time. No disease problems occurred at any of the 
 locations.
 
 Minot and Williston had no yield data, because of severe hail damage.
 
 MONTANA - Cool wet conditions extended through June, while July and August 
 were hot and dry. But, the crop was average or even better.
 
 CANADA (Saskatoon) - Precipitation was more than adequate until the end of 
 July while August was hot and dry. No disease problems occurred.
 
 SOUTH DAKOTA - Growing conditions were more favorable for the earlier
 seeded trials than 	those seeded in early May. Precipitation was ample until 
 mid-July. Weeds were a problem because of excessive early June rains. The trial 
 at Bison was destroyed by hail on June 16.
 
 WASHINGTON - Precipitation was adequate. Temperatures were very cool until 
 mid-July, then turned hot with temperatures in the 90's which caused rapid 
 maturation of the crop.
 
 WYOMING - Birds destroyed the trial at Laramie. The Powell nursery was not 
 harvested because of poor stands.
 
 NEBRASKA - Precipitation was ample for a good crop, but the high temperatures 
 during July reduced the yield.
 
 MINNESOTA - Growing conditions were cool and wet at Morris, excellent at 
 Crookston, and unfavorable at St. Paul. Planting dates were normal at the three 
 locations. At St. Paul, stem and leaf rust developed very well, resulting in a 
 moderate to heavy infection.
 
 CONCLUSION: Precipitation was adequate and temperature was normal for the four 
 major spring wheat producing states in 1971. Planting and harvest dates were 
 normal at most of the stations. With the exception of ergot, no serious disease 
 problems occurred. This was the worst recent year on record for ergot in the Hard 
 Red Spring Wheat Region. In general, growing conditions in 1971 were excellent, 
 causing record Bu/A yields.