Hill County, MT - Where The Alfalfa Shoots Turn Green In February

[hatrack]

It's the first full week of February, and a few signs of spring are showing in farm fields across Hill County.

In some places, alfalfa sprouts are starting to turn green, a development that worries Northern Agricultural Research Center superintendent Gregg Carlson. “It's not out there growing rampantly, but it has started to green up,” Carlson, an agronomist, said. “And that's a little alarming. “I would not want to see us approach zero with the way it's been growing,” he added.

Snow cover is almost nonexistent in Hill County. January was the warmest on record in Havre, and the region has been above normal since mid-December. An annual ice fishing derby set for this month had to be cancelled for the second year in a row.

People have reported seeing Canada geese, and a local biologist said fish and wildlife are probably benefitting from the mild winter, though a drought again this year could hamper their ability to survive if next winter is colder.

EDIT

http://www.havredailynews.com/articles/2006/02/10/local_headlines/weather.txt

[patdem]

1. hatrack, I do not want to see you gone from DU, but you should start

your own ecology website, it would fill up quickly with content..YOU are tireless in your posting in the environment/energy site. I mean, you could post there, post here with a link to your website? All in one eco friendly place?

[hatrack]

4. Oh, I wouldn't leave DU - I have too much "fun" doing what I do

No, "fun" isn't the word - I think posting all these stories gives me a pleasing illusion of control.

But I'm glad you find this useful stuff! :toast:

[Angry Girl]

6. I appreciate your posts too

Keep it up, please, HR!
:hi:

[msongs]

2. same here in so california although we can

have weeks of dry windy weather with temps in the 80's any time of year, this winter has been exceptionally so.
my apple trees are already flowering (usually not until april), the daffodils have come and gone already, the mockingbirds are shrieking their hormones out already (usually don't start until april), and there is no visible snow on the 11000 foot high peaks.

last year was one of the wettest on record.

good thing we have average winters to dream about.

Msongs
www.msongs.com/political-shirts.htm

[formercia]

3. Been the same way here in Maine

I've been worried about my perennials putting on new growth and being killed by a cold snap.

I took a drive yesterday into paper company land that would normally be closed this time of year. The roads were a bit rough from a recent thaw that kept even the loggers from getting in to work.

I hope the native flora and fauna can adapt to the climate change.

[PsN2Wind]

5. If it wasn't so far (1500+ miles)

I'd run down to The Spike and see what they have to say about this heat wave.