(rdnewsNOW/Sheldon Spackman)

By AFSC/Government of Alberta

Conditions As Of July 2, 2024

Alberta Crop Report: July 5

Jul 5, 2024 | 1:54 PM

The proportion of crops rated in good to excellent condition throughout central Alberta is currently 82 per cent for both major crops and all crops.

That according to the latest Crop Report from Agriculture Financial Services Corporation (AFSC) and the Government of Alberta which further indicates the development of crops is reported at stem elongation for spring cereals and mostly rosette for canola.

Progress on the first cut of hay is reported as 8 per cent for dryland.

Recent rains, meantime, continue to improve regional surface (sub-surface) moisture, which is rated as 7 (15) per cent poor, 20 (39) per cent fair, 60 (44) per cent good, 12 (3) per cent excellent and 0 (0) per cent excessive.

Elsewhere over the last week, precipitation has been variable throughout the province. Many areas in the North East and Peace regions received at least 5 mm of rain while the North West, Central and South regions saw precipitation exceeding 30 mm, with a few areas receiving more than 80 mm. Despite the cooler temperatures to date, the province is anticipating warmer temperatures for the week ahead. All regions predict that higher temperatures across the province will improve crop development.

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As of July 2, provincial all crop conditions are still ahead of the historical averages at 75 per cent good to excellent, which is 7 per cent above both the 5- and 10-year average. The Central Region retains the highest per cent of crops rated in good to excellent condition at 82 per cent, with both South and Peace regions reporting a lower 75 per cent, followed by the North East at 70 per cent and the North West at 68 per cent. The provincial condition of all crops has improved by 2 per cent compared to the last reported condition for all crops on June 18.

Provincially, the stage of development for spring cereal crops are near the 10-year averages despite concerns of growth delays due to the cool and wet weather. Crop growth stages of spring cereals are slightly behind the 10-year averages in the South, Central, North East and Peace regions, while slightly ahead in the North West Region. Spring cereals are reported to be in the stem elongation stage in most regions of the province, with the South Region being the exception as most spring cereals are in the initial stages of head development (i.e.: booting).

For provincial major broadleaf crops, a greater proportion of the crops are at the flowering stage compared to the 10-year averages. Provincially, the proportion of crop flowering (10-year average) is reported at 20 (11) per cent for canola, 27 (20) per cent for dry peas, 39 (28) per cent for lentils, 44 (29) per cent for chickpeas, and 42 (28) per cent for mustard.

Precipitation over the months of May and June has significantly improved soil moisture reserves across the province. Currently, surface soil moisture is rated at 75 per cent good to excellent, which is an improvement of 11 per cent compared to 64 per cent good to excellent reported at the beginning of the season (May 7, 2024). Specifically, the provincial surface soil moisture ratings are at 4 per cent poor, 19 per cent fair, 57 per cent good and 18 per cent excellent, with 2 per cent excessive.

Regionally, surface soil moisture conditions improved 15 per cent to 69 per cent good to excellent in the South, 13 per cent to 73 per cent good to excellent in the Central, and 8 per cent to 89 per cent good to excellent in the Peace. Conditions slightly declined by 2 per cent to 82 per cent good to excellent in the North East, while the North West remained the same at 77 per cent good to excellent.

Pastures are generally growing well due to the growing season rains and recent warm weather, and the first cut of hay has begun in all regions of the province. Provincial pasture growth (5-year average) is reported as 4 (14) per cent poor, 22 (31) per cent fair, 63 (47) per cent good and 11 (8) per cent excellent. Provincial tame hay growth (5-year average) is reported at 3 (12) per cent poor, 23 (29) per cent fair, 59 (47) per cent good and 15 (12) per cent excellent.

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