Crops advancing well in central Alberta, though yellowing in cereals reported as wet weather continues

Meanwhile, major crop conditions rated good-to-excellent increased just one per cent since last week, as many areas around the province received additional rain with a few sunny days. The Central Region saw the most improvement as major crops rated good-to-excellent increased by six per cent and are now rated the highest in the province at 87 per cent. This is also higher than its five- and 10-year averages of 72 and 76 per cent, respectively.

The lowest major crop ratings are reported in the North West at 41 per cent good-to-excellent, which is 29 and 32 per cent below its five- and 10-year average, respectively. The South (up two per cent), Central (up six per cent) and North West (up three per cent) all saw increases in their crop condition ratings since last week. However, the North East and Peace saw a decrease of one and five per cent.

Major cereal growth (spring wheat, barley and oats) on average is finishing tillering and entering stem elongation, though historically by this week development would be early-to-mid stem elongation, according to their five- and 10-year averages.

Staging is most advanced in the South, where the flag leaf is visible on most spring cereals, whereas the slowest development is in the Peace Region, where they are reported to have, on average, three tillers. While development varies across the province, each region is only marginally behind their five- and 10-year averages for growth development.

Producers are struggling to spray at normal intervals as many fields are experiencing intermittent rain showers and wind, and are too wet to support equipment. Spraying is being done when weather allows, as weed and fungicide pressures become a growing concern.

Provincially, surface soil (0-6”) moisture rated as good-to-excellent is reported as 75 per cent, above both the five- and 10-year averages of 65 per cent and 69 per cent. Showers across the province continue to keep regional good-to-excellent surface soil moisture ratings above their respective long-term averages, excluding the North West Region, which is 36 and 33 per cent below its five- and 10-year average and the North East Region, which is within five per cent of its historical averages.

Regionally, surface soil moisture rated good-to-excellent (last week’s rating) is 69 (78) per cent in the South, 87 (82) per cent in Central, 78 (81) per cent in the North East, 47 (75) per cent in the North West and 86 (84) per cent in the Peace. While week-over-week changes in sub-surface good-to-excellent ratings fell in the North East and North West, it is important to note that those good-to-excellent acres were re-allocated to be rated as excessive sub-surface soil moisture, in comparison to the normal fluctuation between poor/fair and good/excellent seen when acres historically become drier.

Sub-surface soil moisture is rated significantly higher than the five-year average for each region, which historically ranged from 39 per cent in the South to 72 per cent in the North West. Sub-surface soil moisture (last week’s rating) was rated at 67 (65) per cent good-to-excellent in the South, 85 (79) per cent in the Central Region, 79 (82) per cent in the North East, 78 (87) per cent in the North West and 97 (89) per cent in the Peace Region. Strong sub-surface soil moisture ratings will allow crops to handle extended warm weather that could be expected in July.

While pasture and tame hay growth are currently reported to have improved since last week, wet conditions in the North West have reduced the amount of land currently suitable for grazing, creating management challenges for livestock producers in some areas.

Tame hay is reported to be responding well to the abundant moisture and has shown strong vegetative growth; however, warmer temperatures are needed to support further development. Provincial tame hay growth (five-year average) is rated as 78 (52) per cent good-to-excellent. Regionally, it is rated 74 (39) per cent in the South, 87 (59) per cent in Central, 94 (45) per cent in the North East, 76 (65) per cent in the North West and 56 (49) per cent in the Peace.

by AFSC/Government of Alberta

Crops advancing well in central Alberta, though yellowing in cereals reported as wet weather continues

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