Alberta Crop Report: July 31

Sub-surface moisture is eight per cent poor, 33 per cent fair, 46 per cent good, 10 per cent excellent, and four per cent excessive.

Conditions of tame hay are reported as two per cent poor, 25 per cent fair, 70 per cent good, and four per cent excellent.

Elsewhere, hot weather conditions prevailed across much of the province through the latter half of July, with scattered moisture providing limited relief in some areas.

Haying operations continue, with producers making good progress on first-cut harvest. While excess moisture continues to challenge field operations and crop development in some regions, persistent warm temperatures and limited precipitation have resulted in declining soil moisture reserves across other areas of the province.

Provincial ratings for the conditions of all crops remain near the 10-year average, as 62 per cent are rated as good-to-excellent. Good-to-excellent conditions for major crops (five-year average) are regionally variable, with the South Region leading at 80 (47) per cent, followed by the Central at 76 (51) per cent, and the Peace at 49 (44) per cent, all of which are above their historical five-year averages. The North East at 47 (56) per cent, and the North West at 37 (49) per cent rated good-to-excellent, are both below their historical five-year averages.

Provincially, pest pressure has increased to seven per cent moderate for gophers, five per cent for lygus bugs, and four per cent for diamondback moths.

On average, provincial staging of spring cereals is in early stages of milk development, with crops most advanced in South and Central regions. Fall-seeded cereals are mid to late dough development, and most advanced in South, Central, and North West regions. Canola has progressed to 44 per cent podding, and dry peas to 74 per cent podding.

Surface and sub-surface soil moisture ratings experienced significant changes over the last week. Provincial good-to-excellent surface soil moisture rating has decreased 14 per cent to 54 per cent, which is above the five-year average of 45 per cent and on par with the 10-year average of 55 per cent.

Regional surface soil moisture good-to-excellent ratings (change from last week) are reported as 44 (-11) per cent in the South Region, 45 (-34) per cent for the Central Region, 72 (-3) per cent for the North East Region, 56 (-1) per cent for the North West Region, and 75 (-5) per cent for the Peace Region.

Regional dryland crop yield estimates are above five-year and 10-year averages in the South and Central regions. The North East and North West regions are in line with their five-year average, but below the 10-year average. A similar situation in the Peace Region, which is above the five-year average and consistent with the 10-year average. Current yield estimates remain subject to change as variable moisture conditions across the province continue to influence crop development and production potential.

Provincially, dryland major crops are expected to produce 20.4 per cent above the five-year average and 9.6 per cent above the 10-year average, based on the respective yield indexes. Initial provincial major crops irrigated yields, which are only reported for the South and Central regions, are currently expected to produce 10.3 per cent above the five-year average and 9.8 per cent above the 10-year average.

Provincial sub-surface moisture good-to-excellent ratings have declined 13 per cent from last week, now reported as 60 per cent, which is above the five-year average of 39 per cent and the 10-year average of 53 per cent. Conditions declined notably in the South and Central regions over the past week, reflecting ongoing moisture reserve depletion with the hot weather and less precipitation.

Regional sub-surface soil moisture good-to-excellent ratings (change from last week) are reported as 36 (-13) per cent in the South Region, 56 (-29) per cent for the Central Region, 75 (-6) per cent for the North East Region, 85 (0) per cent for the North West Region, and 90 (0) per cent for the Peace Region.

Pasture conditions remain variable across the province and are rated at 67 per cent good-to-excellent. Regional pasture ratings good-to-excellent (compared to last week’s ratings) are as follows: South at 56 per cent (-6), Central at 69 per cent (-21), North East at 90 per cent (0), North West at 76 per cent (0), and Peace at 50 per cent (-3).

First-cut dryland hay is 70 per cent complete, with provincial yields reportedly averaging 1.8 tons per acre and quality rated as 65 per cent good-to-excellent. First-cut irrigated hay is 87 per cent complete in the South Region. Estimated yields are 2.7 tons per acre, with 78 per cent rated as in good-to-excellent condition.

by AFSC/Government of Alberta

Alberta Crop Report: July 31

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