Crop Conditions as of August 13, 2013

Heavy rain and cooler weather in most parts of the province, as well as, hail storms in the South, Central, and South East Regions continue to delay haying operations and affect quality. First cut dryland haying operations is 89 per cent complete across the province, with the South Region being done. With respect to quality, 60 per cent of the hay crop is rated as good to excellent, 26 per cent as fair and 14 per cent as poor. Tame hay and pasture growth is rated as 83 per cent good to excellent, 16 per cent as fair, and one per cent as poor.

Sub-surface soil moisture conditions improved by five per cent this week, rated at 86 per cent good to excellent provincially (see Table 2). A significant improvement in ratings was reported in the South Region based upon rainfall in south-west and central portions of the region.

REGIONAL ASSESSMENTS:
The 2013 Alberta Crop Report Series continues to provide summaries for the following five regions:

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

• Over the past two weeks, the region experienced scattered hail storms that caused light to heavy damage in localized areas. Crop growing conditions remained virtually unchanged from the July 30 report. Overall, 87 per cent to 91 per cent of spring wheat, canola, barley, oats and dry peas are in good to excellent condition.
• Harvest of winter wheat and dry peas has started, with one per cent and five per cent in the bin, respectively. Also, 10 per cent of fall rye and 11 per cent of winter wheat are in swath. Producers have started swathing spring wheat, barley, and canola. Yield potentials are generally above average.
• Rain, hail storms and cooler weather affected hay quality. The first cut haying operation for both dryland and irrigated land is mostly done, with 64 per cent and 68 per cent rated as good to excellent quality, respectively. The second cut haying operation is underway, with three per cent of irrigated land complete. Pasture and tame hay growth is rated as 59 per cent good to excellent.

• During the past two weeks, most areas of the region received damp and cooler weather, as well as, localized hail storms which caused some crop damage. Sub-surface soil moisture conditions are rated as 86 per cent good to excellent.
• Despite the recent precipitation and hail storms, crops are generally rated as good to excellent, as some warmer weather has spurred development. Among major crops, about 86 per cent of spring wheat, barley, oats and canola are in good to excellent condition. Early yield estimates are mostly above average.
• Previous rain showers have impacted hay quality in this region. Haying is still progressing, and is estimated at 92 per cent complete, with 61 per cent rated as good to excellent quality. Tame hay and pasture growth is rated 80 per cent and 82 per cent as good to excellent, respectively.

• Precipitation during the past two weeks has ranged from 10 to 50 mm in most areas of the region. Scattered hail storms were reported throughout the region with minor damage. Sub-surface soil moisture conditions are rated as 82 per cent good to excellent.
• Overall, crops are in good to excellent condition. About 85 to 88 per cent of spring wheat, barley, oats, dry peas and canola are in good to excellent condition.
• Haying operations are underway, but showers are causing delay and affecting quality in localized areas. The first cut haying operation is estimated to be 86 per cent complete, with 72 per cent rated as good to excellent quality. Tame hay and pasture conditions are rated about 78 per cent good to excellent.

• Despite the cool and damp weather, crop growing conditions continue to be very favourable across the region. Regionally, about 91 per cent of spring wheat, canola and barley, and 94 per cent of oats are in good to excellent condition.
• Sub-surface soil moisture conditions remain rated as 90 per cent good to excellent with a few areas having an excessive amount.
• Rain and cooler weather in most parts of the region affected haying operations. First cut haying operations are at 90 per cent complete, with 39 per cent good to excellent quality. Tame hay and pasture conditions are rated at 98 per cent good to excellent condition.

• Over the past two weeks, the region has received below 30 mm of precipitation in most areas. Due to damp and cool weather, there has been a small decline of three per cent in crop conditions. Overall, 86 per cent to 89 per cent of spring wheat, barley, oats and canola are in good to excellent condition.
• Sub-surface soil moisture conditions remain rated as 96 per cent good to excellent.
• First cut haying is progressing slowly due to the rainfall and cooler weather, with 75 per cent complete and 67 per cent good to excellent quality. Warm weather is much needed to allow producers to make progress. Tame hay and pasture growth are both rated about 75 per cent good to excellent.
• Grasshoppers and lygus bugs are a moderate to severe problem in some parts of the region.