Alberta Major Crop Conditions Little Changed on the Week

Alberta major crop conditions were relatively unchanged this past week, holding above the five- and 10-year averages. 

The weekly provincial crop report on Friday said precipitation did bring relief to crops in some areas but added that prolonged hot and dry weather “continues to be a challenge to crops and pastures in other regions.” 

The overall condition of major crops (spring wheat, oats, barley, canola, dry peas) was pegged at 65% good to excellent as of Tuesday, down a single point from the previous week but above five-year average of 55% and the 10-year average of 60%. 

At 66% good to excellent as of Tuesday, the condition of the Alberta spring wheat crop was down 1 point from a week earlier, while barley held steady at 67%. The condition of the oat crop fell to 55% good to excellent from 63%. Canola was down 1 point at 63% and peas were up a single point at 66%. 

Major crops in the province’s Central Region were rated the best at 93% good to excellent as of Tuesday, followed by the North West at 71%, and the South and North East at 64%. Major crop ratings are the worst in the Peace Region, at just 22% good to excellent. 

Compared to a week earlier, crop conditions improved in the South and Central Regions but declined in the North East, North West, and Peace Regions due to dryness. 

Scattered rainfall has improved soil moisture in parts of the province. In the Central Region, heavy and consistent rain resulted in 4% of surface soil moisture rated as excessive, with some areas experiencing waterlogging. Some areas in the North East Region received up to 2 inches, while others had little to none, resulting in patchy soil moisture conditions. The Peace and North West regions remain a concern, as limited rainfall has left soils dry and crops under increasing moisture stress.