Major crops in Central Alberta rated 72 per cent good to excellent

Major crops are rated at 72 per cent good to excellent throughout Central Alberta, which is close to the 5- and 10-year averages of 77 and 71 per cent, respectively.

That according to the latest Crop Report released Friday from Agriculture Financial Services Corporation (AFSC) and the Government of Alberta.

According to the report, rainfall of up to 3 inches fell across much of the region, helping to replenish surface moisture, while pastures are rated at 53 per cent good to excellent, below the 5-year average of 65 per cent.

Cool and wet conditions have also slowed haying in some parts of the region.

Provincial major crop conditions rated good to excellent have improved to 59 per cent, a 10 per cent increase from a week previous, but remain below the 5- and 10-year averages of 73 per cent and 71 per cent, respectively. The majority of regions saw an increase in good to excellent conditions, with the exception of the Peace Region where conditions decreased by 2 per cent to 25 per cent since last week.

Regionally, major crop conditions improved to 55 per cent in the South (up 7 per cent), 72 per cent in Central (up 20 per cent), 65 per cent in the North East (up 7 per cent), and 73 per cent in the North West (up 24 per cent). While most areas are reporting below averages, the North West is above both the 5- and 10-year averages, and Central region is slightly above its 10-year average.

Provincially, most spring wheat, barley, and oat crops are progressing through early to mid stem elongation. Notably, ahead are the spring wheat and barley in the South and Central regions, which are in the booting stage.