Crop Conditions as of September 15, 2005

The persistent cool, wet weather conditions, sometimes accompanied by frosts, have delayed crop maturity and hindered harvesting operations. Provincially, only 15% of the 2005 crop is in the bin, compared to an average progress of 50% for most years. Harvesting is most advanced in the Southern Region at 40% complete, followed by the Central Region at 10%. Elsewhere, harvest progress is estimated at 5% complete or less. The poor fall weather is also causing quality losses, particularly to late seeded crops. However, provincial yield prospects for most 2005 crops are estimated to be above or much above 10-year average levels.

By crop type, estimates of provincial harvest progress are: dry peas 50%, durum wheat 35%, barley 18%, spring wheat 15%, oats and canola 5%. Additionally, about 65% of canola, 23% of spring cereals, and 17% of dry peas are in the swath. It is estimated that over one-half of winter cereals have been combined.

The cool, wet weather conditions have also slowed haying operation and reduced hay quality. Provincially, second cut haying operation is nearly 40% complete on dryland, and over three-quarters complete under irrigation. Hay yields are estimated to be average or above average. Hay quality varies, mostly ranging from fair to good. Pasture conditions in Alberta are reported as 6% poor, 27% fair, 55% good, and 12% excellent.

In some areas of the province, infestations of grasshoppers and gophers have caused significant crop damage. Also reported are problems with other insects, crop diseases, and crop damage from excess moisture and hails.

Recent rains have brought various amounts of precipitation across Alberta. Provincially, surface soil moisture is rated as 9% fair, 33% good, and 58% excellent, while rating of sub-surface moisture is 2% poor, 19% fair, 55% good, and 24% excellent.

Special thanks go to members of the Association of Alberta Agricultural Fieldmen and staff of AFSC for their contributions to the crop report.

REGIONAL ASSESSMENTS:

The 2005 Alberta Crop Report Series continues to provide summaries for the following five regions:

Region One: Southern (Strathmore, Lethbridge, Medicine Hat, Foremost)

• Recent heavy rains have brought harvesting to a standstill, and caused crop lodging in the region. As a result, some quality losses are expected. However, crop yield potentials remain largely unchanged. Also reported are heavy snowfall in some foothill areas, standing water in low-lying fields, delayed seeding of winter cereals, frosts, and significant crop damage from sawflies.
• Harvesting is estimated at 40% complete in the region, with more advanced progress being reported in the eastern parts. In the Taber area, potato harvesting is about 10% complete, while dry beans are generally in the swath.
• The second cut haying operation under irrigation is estimated to be nearly 85% complete, while over 25% is complete on dryland. Hay yields range from average to above average levels.
• Pasture is rated as 4% poor, 34% fair, 56% good, and 6% excellent.

• Due to heavy rainfall and low temperatures, harvesting has been progressing slowly, and is only 10% completed in the region. Crop quality is deteriorating, although yield potentials remain largely unchanged. Frosts and standing water in low-lying fields are also reported.
• Some producers have started the second cut haying operation.
• Pasture is reported as 3% poor, 17% fair, 54% good, and 26% excellent.

• Rain showers continue to impede harvesting operation, which is estimated at only 5% complete in the region. Nearly 70% of canola is in the swath, while only 2% of canola is in the bin.
• Crop quality is deteriorating, although yield prospects remain promising for most crops. Sprouting in both standing and swathed barley is reported.
• Pasture is reported as 3% poor, 15% fair, 70% good, and 12% excellent.
• Crop damage from hail and frosts is also reported.

• The above average yield prospects in the region remain largely unchanged, although the recent cool, damp weather has delayed crop maturity, and brought harvesting and haying operations to a standstill.
• Combining is estimated at only 3% complete in the region. Over three-quarters of canola have been swathed. Crop damage from frosts, hail and pests is reported.
• The second cut haying operation is nearly 30% complete. Pasture is rated as 19% poor, 35% fair, and 46% good.

• Cool, damp weather conditions have hindered crop ripening and slowed harvesting operation in the region. Overall, combining is estimated at 5% complete, with three-quarters of canola in the swath.
• Damage from the frost in mid-August has resulted in reduced yield potentials and lower quality in the region. Additionally, the recent cool, wet weather, sometimes accompanied by frosts, is also negatively impacting the crop quality.
• Pasture is reported as 35% fair, 51% good, and 14% excellent.