Wet weather delays haying operations in province’s northwest

Aug 20, 2019 | 10:58 AM

Alberta Agriculture and Forestry officials say haying operations are delayed in the northwest region of the province thanks to the frequent wet weather this summer.

Only 29 per cent of first cut hay is said to be complete, compared to the five-year average of 93 per cent completed normally by this time of year.

Officials say the yield for the baled portion of the first cut hay is currently reported at 1.7 tons per acre, on par with the 5-year average, with the quality reported at only 14 per cent good or excellent.

It’s noted however that some hay fields that were cut are not yet baled due to excessive moisture, with hay in those fields said to be rotting. No second cut hay is anticipated either considering the delay in the first cut.

In addition, frequent rain, cool temperatures and lack of sunlight over the last month, soil moisture ratings are now reported at 11 per cent good, 50 per cent excellent and 39 per cent rated excessive.

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Pasture growing condition also deteriorated from July but are still in good to excellent condition, with about 14 per cent of pastures currently rated as fair, while 36 per cent are good and 50 per cent excellent.

Elsewhere, as of Aug. 13, provincial crop condition ratings declined slightly from the previous crop report. Currently, 67 per cent of Alberta crops are in good or excellent condition, compared to the 5-year average of 60 per cent.

Officials point-out harvest operations have begun in the southern region and for fall-seeded crops in the central part of the province, while spring-seeded cereals are behind in the central, northeast and northwest regions due to the wet weather.

There are also concerns of yield and quality loss if a frost happens again, particularly for vulnerable canola fields that are still in the flowering stage.

A forecast of warmer temperatures and sunny days would be welcomed to help crops mature and reduce excessive soil moisture into the harvest season.

by rdnewsNOW staff

Wet weather delays haying operations in province’s northwest

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