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Crop Conditions as of May 29, 2018
Dry weather conditions helped producers catch up with late seeding and contributed to quick germination and emergence. Recent hot and windy weather lead to the increased drying of both surface soil moisture (See Table 2) and sub-surface soil moisture (See Map). The forecasted cooler temperatures and scattered showers throughout the province are anticipated to aid overall crop growing conditions.
Provincially, seeding progress is nearing completion at 95 per cent which has passed the 5 year average (See Table 1). Approximately 57 per cent of the crops have now emerged with a small number of fall seeded crops being reseeded. For the most part, crops have caught up to normal. Across the province there are low spots with standing water that will not be seeded, but current estimates are that approximately 2 per cent of acres are anticipated to be left unseeded.
Pasture and tame hay growing conditions have started declining and would benefit from rain. Provincially, pasture conditions (tame hay conditions are reported in brackets) are reported as 9 (8) per cent poor, 30 (32) per cent fair, 57 (56) per cent good, 4 (4) per cent excellent.
REGIONAL ASSESSMENTS:
The 2018 Alberta Crop Report Series continues to provide summaries for the following five regions:
Region One: Southern (Strathmore, Lethbridge, Medicine Hat, Foremost)
- Some sporadic rainfall in the SW corner of the region, however most areas need rainfall to support crop establishment. Fast spring runoff resulted in low sub-surface soil moisture.
- Later seeded dryland pulses and shallow seeded crops are struggling to germinate.
- Irrigation application is well underway in many parts of the region.
- Crops are 96 per cent seeded, at 60 percent emergence and post emergent spraying has begun.
- Pasture and tame hay are starting to show signs of heat stress which may impact yield potential in many areas of the region. Rain is needed to support continued pasture growth; 59 per cent of pasture and tame hay rated as good with 7 per cent rated in excellent condition.
Region Two: Central (Rimbey, Airdrie, Coronation, Oyen)
- Heat and wind are drying up soil moisture. There has been enough moisture for germination and emergence, but additional moisture needed soon to support crop growth.
- Crops are 95 per cent seeded, at 59 per cent emergence and post emergent spraying has begun.
- Pasture and tame hay conditions are starting to decline because of dry conditions; 47 per cent rated as good and only approximately 1 per cent rated as excellent. Some areas are seeing the grasses go to seed already which will reduce yields.
Region Three: North East (Smoky Lake, Vermilion, Camrose, Provost)
- Scattered showers throughout the NE portion of this region supported crop emergence. Other areas of the region have seen hot and windy weather drying up surface soil moisture.
- Crops are 94 per cent seeded, at 51 per cent emergence and post emergent spraying has begun.
- Signs of weeds and pests that are over the threshold: dandelions, grasshoppers, and flea beetles.
- Pasture and tame hay crops had a good start, but will need moisture soon to support continued growth. Currently 62 per cent are rated as good and less than 1per cent rated as excellent.
Region Four: North West (Barrhead, Edmonton, Leduc, Drayton Valley, Athabasca)
- Dry hot conditions are reducing surface moisture and seeing some canola emergence that is uneven in many areas due to the varying moisture. Shallow and broadcast seeded crops do not have enough moisture to germinate yet.
- Crops are 97 per cent seeded, at 52 per cent emergence, and post emergence spraying to start soon.
- Some producers are starting to spray for flea beetles.
- Pasture and tame hay are rated at 45 per cent good with none as excellent. Growth has been delayed due to lack of moisture.
Region Five: Peace River (Fairview, Falher, Grande Prairie, Valleyview)
- Despite sporadic showers throughout the region, warm and windy weather continues to dry out soil.
- Crops are 95 per cent seeded, at 63 per cent emergence and post emergent spraying has begun.
- Pasture and tame hay conditions are rated as 76 per cent good or excellent.
Agriculture Financial Services Corporation
Z. Sangster & J. Sanden, Product Coordinators
Business Risk Management Products Unit
E-mail: zsuzsanna.sangster@afsc.ca
E-mail: jackie.sanden@afsc.ca
Lacombe, Alberta
June 1, 2018
Note to Users: The contents of this document may not be used or reproduced without properly accrediting Alberta Agriculture and Forestry, Economics and Competitiveness Branch, Statistics and Data Development Section.
The 2018 Alberta crop reporting series is available on the Internet at: http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$department/deptdocs.nsf/all/sdd4191
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