The Associated Press

BILLINGS — Montana farmers can expect to have minimal drought concerns for this year’s growing season.

The Governor’s Drought and Water Supply Advisory Committee says Montana’s 2017 water year will be the best in several years and water supplies in excess of normal in the Flathead and Bighorn River basins.

Ada Montague is a water planner with the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation.

Montague tells The Billings Gazette that while there are slightly dry areas but the state continues to get timely spring rain to help the situation.

Montague said staff will continue to monitor conditions in the Sun, Judith and Smith river sub-basins, along with Hyalite Creek and the Upper Clark Fork, for any signals of returning drought.