Alberta Crop Condition Ratings Up Slightly

Alberta crop condition ratings ticked slightly higher this past week. 

Friday’s weekly crop report pegged the condition of major crops across the province (spring wheat, oats, barley, canola, and peas) at 74% good to excellent as of Tuesday, up 2 points from the previous week and a couple of points above the five- and 10-year averages. 

At 77% good to excellent, the condition of the spring wheat crop was up a single point on the week while oats improved 2 points to 74% and canola gained 5 points to 70%. The condition of the barley and pea crops held steady at 76% and 77% good to excellent, respectively. 

Precipitation was variable over the week with the majority of it arriving in the form of thunderstorm activity.  

Surface soil moisture decreased provincially this past week as temperatures warmed up and days were windy across much of the province, especially in the southern half. While good for crop development, many areas could use more rain, the report said. Provincial surface soil moisture was rated 66% good to excellent as of Tuesday, down 10 points on the week and slightly below the five- and 10-year averages of 68% and 67%. 

Provincially, major crops are right on track with the provincial average at the early stages of stem elongation.  

Region One: South (Strathmore, Lethbridge, Medicine Hat, Foremost)  

• Early seeded canola and mustard are starting to bolt and wheat and barley are well into stem elongation. Most crops are progressing well with recent warmth but could still use more rain.  

• The South Region experienced scattered showers, winds and some hail damage over the last week. Most areas have adequate soil moisture though some areas have top soil that is struggling. Currently, surface soil (sub-surface soil) moisture is rated as 53 (51) per cent good to excellent.  

• Some hay cutting has started, and the rest should begin soon. Even though pasture and tame hay conditions slightly decreased since last week, conditions are still looking good compared to the historical averages.  

• Insects are out now with recent heat and areas in the north west part of the region reported re-seeding due to gopher and worm damage.  

Region Two: Central (Rimbey, Airdrie, Coronation, Oyen)  

• While the warm weather was good for crop development, minimal rain and high winds caused many areas to have declining moisture conditions. Currently, surface soil (sub-surface soil) moisture is rated as 60 (29) per cent good to excellent.  

• Frost last week hurt some canola plants but overall, there was minor damage. There have been some reports of some flea beetle, cutworm, and gopher damage.  

• Haying and silaging has started, some fields are a little behind normal condition, but most are average. Tame hay (5-year average) is rated 65 (66) per cent good to excellent. 

Region Three: North East (Smoky Lake, Vermilion, Camrose, Provost)  

• A touch of frost last week hurt canola and peas but most damage is minimal. Low areas had more of an impact.  

• Producers were able to catch up on crop spraying this week as winds were minimal.  

• Heat has helped crops progress, but crop development is highly variable. On average, major cereals are slightly behind the 5-year average and are in late tillering.  

• Moisture levels are inconsistent around the region with some areas having standing water and others needing more rain.  

• Forages are progressing well, but no hay has been cut yet.