| | The 2005 crop season is coming slowly to an end, as harvest is being wrapped up in most areas across Alberta. Harvest completion this year is about one month behind most years. This is attributed mainly to poor weather conditions in the fall.
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Provincially, it is estimated that 98% of the 2005 crop is in the bin, compared to 87% two weeks ago. Depending on weather conditions, canola still in the field could be harvested this year or in the spring of 2006, while most cereals still in the field are likely to be grazed or baled for feed. Some fields could end up being abandoned. Large amounts of cereal crops were taken off in high moisture, and grain drying operations are currently underway.
It is estimated that harvest is virtually complete in all five regions across the province. By crop type, provincial harvest progress is estimated at 100% for dry peas, 96% for oats, and 98% for spring wheat, durum wheat, barley and canola. With the exception of sunflower seeds, the specialty crop harvest is complete.
Crop growing conditions during the 2005 crop season have generally been favorable, although adverse weather in the fall has reduced crop quality. As a result, provincial average yields for major crops this year are estimated to be in line with the high yield levels of 2004, and significantly higher than 10-year averages. Crop quality, however, is estimated to be below the 10-year average for both major cereals and oilseeds. Cereal crops with higher grades are reported in the Southern Region. Based on preliminary results of early samples, about 30% of total Canada Western Red Spring (CWRS) wheat in the province could be graded as 1CWRS or 2CWRS, while 3CWRS and lower grades could account for the remaining 70%. Nearly one-half of total durum wheat is likely to make 1CWAD or 2CWAD (Canada Western Amber Durum). About 14% of barley in Alberta may be of the malt quality. Compared to cereals, quality of canola has been relatively less impacted by the poor fall weather. About three-quarters of the canola crop is expected to make No. 1 Canada.
In most areas of the province, soil moisture reserves are good or excellent.
Please note that this is the last crop report for the 2005 crop season.
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)
- Combining is estimated at 98% complete in the region. Crops to be harvested are mostly in areas west of Lethbridge. Excessive moisture continues to cause difficulties for operation of harvesting equipment in the field. As a result, some crops could be abandoned. Snow and rain in early November brought additional precipitation to western parts of the region.
- Regional average yields of major crops are estimated to be significantly above 10-year averages. Overall, quality of cereal crops in the region is better than in other areas of the province. However, there are continued reports of grade deterioration caused by poor weather conditions.
- Most specialty crops have been harvested. In general, yield estimates range from average to above average. Also reported are some grade losses for dry beans, caused by frost.
Region Two: Central (Rimbey, Airdrie, Coronation, Oyen)
- Harvest is 97% complete in the region. Crops still in the field are mainly in areas west of Stettler, although other parts of the region also have some fields to be completed. Some of these crops could end up being grazed or abandoned. The delayed harvest is due mainly to wet fields and, in the case of canola, a high green seed count. Snow coverage is reported in some areas.
- Overall, regional yields of major crops are estimated to be above 10-year averages. There are reports of reduced yields caused by dryness in July and hail damage during the crop season.
- Crop quality is below average, with the recently harvested crops being of lower grades.
Region Three: North East (Smoky Lake, Vermilion, Camrose, Provost)
- Only small pockets of crops remain to be harvested. Due to excessive moisture conditions, some of these crops could end up being grazed or harvested in the spring of 2006. Overall, combining is estimated at 99% complete in the region. Snowfall is reported in some areas.
- Many producers are busy with grain drying operations, since large amounts of cereal crops have been taken off in high moisture. Compared to spring cereals, quality of canola has been relatively less impacted by adverse weather conditions during the fall.
- Overall, regional average yields of major crops are estimated to be much above 10-year averages.
Region Four: North West (Barrhead, Edmonton, Leduc, Drayton Valley, Athabasca)
- Harvest stands at 96% complete in the region. Some of the cereal crops still in the field could be used for swath grazing, or baled for feed. Some fields could end up being abandoned.
- Regional yields of most major crops are estimated to be above 10-year averages, while quality is below 10-year averages for most crops.
Region Five: Peace River (Fairview, Falher, Grande Prairie, Valleyview)
- Combining is estimated at 97% complete in the region. Most cereal crops still in the field are likely to be grazed or baled for feed, while canola could end up being harvested this year or in the spring of 2006. Crop yields vary widely across the region, due mainly to the amounts of precipitation received during the crop season. Overall, regional average yields of major crops range from average to above average. Also reported is crop damage from wildlife.
- Based on reports from survey respondents, the frost in August did more damage than originally expected, causing high losses in both crop yield and quality.
Note to Users: The contents of this document may not be used or reproduced without properly accrediting the Statistics and Data Development Unit, Economics and Competitiveness Division, AAFRD. |
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