Crop Conditions as of September 4, 2012

 
 
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Light precipitation during the past two weeks has slowed harvest progress in most areas, with the exception of the South and Peace Regions. Overall, about 52 per cent of cereal crops are standing, with 28 per cent in swath and 20 per cent combined. About 15 per cent of canola has been combined, with 57 per cent in swath and 28 per cent standing. More than 81 per cent of dry peas are in the bin. Spring wheat is about 18 per cent combined, 14 per cent in swath and 68 per cent is still standing (Tables 1 and 2).
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Some producers are reporting lower yields than anticipated due to July and August heat stress, diseases such as sclerotinia and aster yellows, and army cutworms. However, yields for major crops are still estimated to be above average, and of good quality. Harvest of potatoes and dry beans is slowly progressing at six per cent and 14 per cent respectively, while sugar beet harvest has not yet begun.

Provincially, surface soil moisture conditions are currently rated as 65 per cent good to excellent, down from 68 per cent two weeks ago. Soil moisture continues to be a concern in the South and Peace Regions. For these regions, only 40 per cent and 33 per cent respectively, are rated as good to excellent.

Second cut hay is nearly complete on irrigated land, with 96 per cent of hay rated to be of good to excellent quality and yields above average. For dry land, second cut is about 42 per cent complete due to rainfall, which has slowed down progress. Quality is rated as 89 per cent good to excellent, while yields are below average. Pastures are rated as 70 per cent good to excellent condition.



Our thanks to Alberta Agricultural Fieldmen, staff of AFSC and the Alberta Ag-Info Centre for their partnership and contribution to the Alberta Crop Reporting Program. The precipitation map is compiled by Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development, Environmental Stewardship Division, Technology and Innovation Branch.

Regional Assessments:
The 2012 Alberta Crop Report Series continues to provide summaries for the following five regions:

Region One: Southern (Strathmore, Lethbridge, Medicine Hat, Foremost)
  • Excellent weather and warm dry conditions has harvest in full swing. Overall, about 39 per cent of cereal crops are standing, with 23 per cent in swath and 38 per cent combined. About 35 per cent of canola has been combined, with 41 per cent in swath and 24 per cent standing. For dry peas, 97 per cent are in the bin. Yields for major crops are estimated to be above average, with good quality. Potatoes and dry beans are mostly still standing, with 88 per cent and 35 per cent respectively. Sugar beet harvest has not yet begun.
  • Producers are reporting lower yields than anticipated due to July and August heat stress and diseases such as sclerotinia, and aster yellows.
  • Surface moisture is rated at 11 per cent poor, 49 per cent fair, and 40 per cent good to excellent. Sub-surface moisture is rated at one per cent poor, 39 per cent fair and 60 per cent good to excellent.
Region Two: Central (Rimbey, Airdrie, Coronation, Oyen)
  • The cool and dry weather over the past two weeks has slowed down harvest progress. Light rain showers and heavy winds were reported in a few areas of the region. About 50 per cent of cereal crops are still standing, with about 30 per cent in swath and 20 per cent combined. Nearly 27 per cent of canola is standing, with 51 per cent in swath and 22 per cent combined. Just over 11 per cent of dry peas are standing, with 10 per cent swathed and 79 per cent combined.
  • Major crop yields are estimated to be average to above average, and of good quality. Crop diseases such as aster yellow and sclerotinia have been found in some areas of the region.
  • Second cut haying operations are 43 per cent complete, and while quality is good to excellent, yields are about average. Pastures are generally in fair to excellent condition. Surface and sub-surface moisture conditions are rated as fair to excellent at 68 per cent and 83 per cent, respectively.
Region Three: North East (Smoky Lake, Vermilion, Camrose, Provost)
  • During the past two weeks, scattered showers and damp conditions through most of the region have slowed down harvest progress. Overall, about 52 per cent of cereals are still standing, with 37 per cent swathed and 11 per cent combined. About 27 per cent of canola is standing, with 67 per cent swathed and six per cent in the bin.
  • Canola and barley yields are lower than expected, largely due to army cutworms. However, yields are still estimated to be average to above average, and of good quality.
  • One-half of second cut operations are complete, with 85 per cent of good to excellent quality. However, yield is below average. Pasture is rated at one per cent poor, 19 per cent fair and 80 per cent good to excellent. Surface and sub-surface moisture conditions are generally rated as fair to good.
Region Four: North West (Barrhead, Edmonton, Leduc, Drayton Valley, Athabasca)
  • Most of the region received some rainfall that has slowed down harvest progress. Overall, about 66 per cent of cereal crops are still standing, with 26 per cent swathed and eight per cent combined. About 40 per cent of canola is standing, with 55 per cent in swath and five per cent combined. Yields are expected to be above average and quality is good.
  • Second cut hay is about 37 per cent completed, with average yields and 85 per cent of good to excellent quality. Pasture is rated as 19 per cent fair, 72 per cent good and nine per cent excellent.
  • Surface and sub-surface moisture conditions are rated as fair to excellent at 97 per cent and 94 per cent, respectively.
Region Five: Peace River (Fairview, Falher, Grande Prairie, Valleyview)
  • Over the past two weeks, harvest has been progressing quickly, with combining starting earlier due to dry conditions. About 46 per cent of cereal crops are still standing, with 36 per cent in the swath, and 18 per cent combined. About 18 per cent of canola is standing, with the 73 per cent in swath and nine per cent combined. About 72 per cent of dry peas are in the bin, with 22 per cent still standing, and six per cent swathed. Yields are estimated to be average or above average.
  • Second cut haying operations are 43 per cent complete with yields below average. However, quality is rated at 96 per cent good to excellent.
  • Overall, surface moisture conditions are rated at 17 per cent poor, 50 per cent fair, 33 per cent good. Sub-surface moisture is rated at two per cent poor, 35 per cent fair, 45 per cent good, and 17 per cent excellent.

Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development
Economics and Competitiveness Division
Statistics and Data Development Branch
September 7, 2012

Lukas Matejovsky, Crop Statistician
E-mail: lukas.matejovsky@gov.ab.ca
Phone: 780-422-2887

Note to Users: The contents of this document may not be used or reproduced without properly accrediting Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development, Economics and Competitiveness Division, Statistics and Data Development Branch.
 
 
 
 
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This information published to the web on September 7, 2012.