Crop emergence progressing throughout Central Alberta

Elsewhere, dry conditions persisted through the early part of last week and producers used the opportunity to significantly advance seeding progress across the entire province.

As May closed, the weather shifted to widespread soaking rains throughout most of the province, replenishing both surface and sub-surface soil moisture in most areas.

Provincial seeding progress of all crops (major crops) has reached 93 (92) percent, nearing the 5-year average of 97 (97) per cent.

Seeding progress for all crops by region (5-year avg) is reported at 99 (99) per cent in the South Region, 99 (99) per cent in the Central Region, 91 (97) per cent in the North East Region, 89 (95) per cent in the North West Region and 78 (93) per cent in the Peace Region.

Crop emergence in most regions continues to be lower for this week than in previous years, except for the South Region.

Emergence rates continue to be impacted due to the slower than normal pace of seeding across the northern regions of the province.

Provincial emergence of all crops is at 60 per cent, behind the 5-year average of 71 per cent.

For major crops, provincial emergence (5-year average) of dry peas is 79 (85) per cent, spring wheat is 73 (81) per cent, barley is 63 (71) per cent, canola is 38 (58) per cent and oats is 34 (55) per cent.

Crop development progress remained limited this week due to the persistent dry conditions followed by the cool temperatures accompanying the rain at the end of the week. Significant growth is expected once temperatures increase.

Spring cereal staging ranges from the two-leaf stage to early tillering, while fall cereals are mid-tillering to early boot development.

The majority of canola has emerged, with a minority of the crop in the 1-3 leaf/node stage. The majority of dry pea crops are spread between early emergence to the 1-3 leaf/node stage, with a minority of the crop at the 4-6 leaf/node stage.

Recent rains have notably improved surface and sub-surface conditions across all regions.

Provincially, surface soil moisture (sub-surface soil moisture) is rated at 80 (73) per cent good-to-excellent, compared to the 5-year averages of 54 (51).

Regional good-to-excellent moisture conditions are reported at 76 (75) per cent in the South, 84 (61) per cent in the Central, 75 (73) per cent in the North East, 76 (71) per cent in the North West and 90 (99) per cent in the Peace.

Pasture growth is rated 61 per cent good-to-excellent provincially, above the 5-year average of 56 per cent and equal to the 10-year average of 61 per cent.

Tame hay growth rated good-to-excellent is 56 per cent provincially, equal to the 5-year average of 56 per cent and below the 10-year average of 61 per cent.

Current regional good-to-excellent ratings (change from last week) for tame hay are 60 per cent in the South (+4 per cent), 44 per cent in the Central (+3 per cent), 69 per cent in the North East (+28 per cent), 73 per cent in the North West (+31 per cent), and 36 per cent in the Peace (-2 per cent).

Recent rainfall is expected to affect growth conditions when warmer temperatures return.

by Agriculture Financial Services Corporation (AFSC) / Government of Alberta

Crop emergence progressing throughout Central Alberta

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