Alberta Seeding of Major Crops About One-Third Complete

Despite significant precipitation in parts of the province last week, Alberta producers still had about one-third of major crops in the ground as of Tuesday. 

The latest weekly crop report on Friday pegged the planting of major crops (spring wheat, oats, barley, canola, and dry peas) at 32.5% complete, up from around 16% the previous week, and ahead of the five- and 10-year averages of 28% and 27%, respectively. 

Seeding is the most advanced in the South Region at about 50% complete as of Tuesday, although that slightly lags the region’s five-year average of just over 51%. On the other hand, seeding in the Peace Region was nearly 41% done – far ahead of the five-year region average of 17%. The Central region was at 29.5% complete, up from the average of 28%, while the North East and North West were at 22% and 19%, compared to 18% and 17% on average. 

Across the province, an estimated 45% of the spring wheat crop was seeded, with barley at 33% and oats at 15%. The canola crop was 15% seeded and peas were at 62% complete. 

Despite creating seeding delays in some areas, last week’s precipitation was welcomed and notably improved growing conditions, the report said. 

Emergence of major crops across the province was reported at 6% as of Tuesday, ahead of both the five and 10-year average of 3%. Regional emergence of major crops was reported at 15% for the South, 4% for the Central, 2% for the North East, 1% for the North West, and 5% for the Peace. 

The recent precipitation improved surface soil moisture ratings in all regions of the province except the Peace. Provincial surface soil moisture was rated 72% good to excellent as of Tuesday, above the five-year average of 58%, as well as the 10-year average of 63%. 

Surface soil moisture in the Peace was rated just 41.5% good to excellent and 14% poor. 

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

• Seeding progress for major crops is 50 per cent complete, compared to the five-year average of 51 per cent.  

• Reported sub-surface moisture is 11 per cent poor, 39 per cent fair, 39 per cent good, 11 per cent excellent, and 0 per cent excessive.  

• Reported conditions of fall-seeded crop are 2 per cent poor, 25 per cent fair, 56 per cent good, and 17 per cent excellent.  

• Conditions of tame hay are reported as 6 per cent poor, 34 per cent fair, 53 per cent good, and 7 per cent excellent.  

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

• Seeding progress for major crops is 30 per cent complete, compared to the five-year average of 28 per cent.  

• Reported sub-surface moisture is 17 per cent poor, 29 per cent fair, 48 per cent good, 6 per cent excellent, and 0 per cent excessive.  

• Reported conditions of fall-seeded crop are 1 per cent poor, 14 per cent fair, 75 per cent good, and 10 per cent excellent.  

• Conditions of tame hay are reported as 9 per cent poor, 24 per cent fair, 65 per cent good, and 2 per cent excellent.