Seeding complete in central Alberta

Sub-surface moisture is 2 per cent poor, 15 per cent fair, 70 per cent good, 10 per cent excellent, and 3 per cent excessive.

Conditions of tame hay are reported as 6 per cent poor, 37 per cent fair, 52 per cent good, and 4 per cent excellent.

Provincewide over the past week, Alberta received widespread and frequent soaking rains. This precipitation has helped to maintain or improve soil moisture reserves in most regions and is supporting crop emergence, while limiting the opportunities to continue seeding operations.

Provincial seeding progress of major crops has reached 97 per cent, nearing the 5-year average of 100 per cent.

Seeding progress for major crops by region (5-year avg) is reported at 100 (100) per cent in the South Region, 100 (100) per cent in the Central Region, 93 (100) per cent in the North East Region, 95 (100) per cent in the North West Region and 97 (99) per cent in the Peace Region.

Seeding in the North East and North West regions is mostly complete in the southern portion of the regions, with delays occurring mostly in the northern areas as frequent rainfall continues to saturate fields and delay the completion of seeding operations.

Provincial emergence of major crops is reported at 80 per cent, below the 5-year average of 88 per cent. Currently, the South Region is above the 5-year average emergence, while the other regions are reporting below the 5-year average.

Despite cooler temperatures accompanying the frequent rainfall across the province, crop development continues to progress this week. The spring cereals of wheat, barley and oats are the most advanced in the South Region, ranging from the mid-to-late-tillering stage. These crops are slightly less developed in the North East, North West and Peace regions where growth stages currently range from two-leaf to eight-leaf. All regions expect crop development to advance significantly once temperatures increase.

Frequent rainfall this week helped to maintain or improve the sub-surface soil moisture ratings of all regions except the Peace. Provincial sub-surface moisture good-to-excellent ratings were reported as 79 per cent, which is well above the 5-year average of 45 per cent and the 10-year average of 58 per cent.

Regional sub-surface soil moisture good-to-excellent ratings (change from last week) are reported as 74 (-1) per cent in the South Region, 80 (+20) per cent for the Central Region, 74 (+1) per cent for the North East Region, 82 (+12) per cent for the North West Region, and 95 (-5) per cent for the Peace Region.

The majority of provincial pasture conditions are currently considered as “good”. The provincial good-to-excellent pasture growth rating is 70 per cent, which is above both the 5-year average of 49 per cent and the 10-year average of 59 per cent.

Regionally, good-to-excellent pasture growth ratings (change from last week) are reported at 63 (+6) per cent for the South Region, 72 (+8) per cent for the Central Region, 90 (+20) per cent for the North East Region, 84 (+10) per cent for the North West Region, and 30 (+2) per cent for the Peace Region.

Tame hay growth conditions have improved compared to last week with the provincial good-to-excellent rating at 65 per cent, which is above both the 5-year average of 50 per cent and the 10-year average of 60 per cent.

Regional tame hay good-to-excellent growth conditions (change from last week) are reported as 65 (+4) per cent for the South Region, 57 (+12) per cent for the Central Region, 90 (+21) per cent for the North East Region, 84 (+11) per cent for the North West Region, and 36 (+1) per cent for the Peace Region.

by Agriculture Financial Services Corporation (AFSC) and the Government of Alberta

Seeding complete in central Alberta

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