Central Region crop emergence ahead of five and 10 year averages

Elsewhere, ongoing warm and windy conditions have led to seeding across the province being virtually complete. Weather interruptions were limited, with rainfall events reported as localized or spotty.

The provincial seeding progress for all crops is reported as 99 per cent complete, compared to the 5-year and 10-year averages of 96 per cent. The rapid pace of planting is reflected in the rapid rate of crop emergence, with 83 per cent of all crops in the province emerged this week compared to the 5-year average of 66 per cent.

Provincial major crop emergence (5-year average) is reported at 93 (75) per cent for spring wheat, 85 (65) per cent for barley, 65 (47) per cent for oats, 68 (53) per cent for canola, and 97 (80) per cent for dry peas.

This rapid emergence has been followed by significant progress in post-emergence spraying, reported as 25 per cent complete compared to the 5-year average of 9 per cent. Rapid spraying may also be in response to seasonal pest pressures, which have risen along with crop emergence.

Reports of provincial crop development suggest the 2025 crop is ahead for almost all crops. Average development of spring wheat is at the 8-leaf stage, barley progressed to the 7-leaf stage, and oats have reached the 3-leaf stage. Canola is reported as 59 per cent in emergence and 37 per cent in the 1-3 leaf/node stage. Dry pea staging shows 47 per cent in the 1-3 leaf/node stage and 34 per cent in the 4-6 leaf/node stage.

Average development of winter wheat and fall rye is reported to be at the booting and head emergence stages, respectively. Throughout the province, 59 per cent of pasture growth is rated as good to excellent this week which is near the 5-year average of 60 per cent. Similarly, tame hay growth of 59 per cent good to excellent this week is near the province’s 5-year average of 61 per cent.

Both surface and sub-surface soil moisture conditions have continued to decline week over week across the province as the spring precipitation has been limited, with conditions this week similar historically to the conditions experienced in 2022 and 2023. As seen in those previous years, June rains can result in significant improvements to soil moisture. Additional precipitation events over the coming weeks will help the 2025 crop reach its full potential.

Provincial surface moisture (subsurface moisture) good-to-excellent ratings were reported as 42 (42) per cent, a change of -14 (-12) per cent from last week, which is below the 5-year historical average of 62 (59) per cent for this week.

Regional surface moisture (sub-surface moisture) conditions reported as good-to-excellent are reported as 38 (33) per cent in the South, 58 (57) per cent in the Central, 35 (33) per cent in the North East, 40 (38) per cent in the North West and 32 (45) per cent in the Peace Region.

by AFSC/Government of Alberta

Central Region crop emergence ahead of five and 10 year averages

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