Crop Conditions as of October 21, 2004

Many producers in Alberta have wrapped up harvest for the 2004 crop season, although the recent snow brought field operations to a standstill. It is estimated that about 93% of the 2004 crop is in the bin. Across the province, the Peace Region lags behind, with only 80% of harvest completed. Combining is estimated at about 90% completed in the North West Region. Elsewhere, harvest is at least 95% completed. With the heavy snow coverage, it will be difficult to finish combining crops still left in the field, which were mainly in the North West and Peace Regions.

By crop type, estimates of provincial harvest progress are: durum wheat 99%, dry peas 97%, barley and spring wheat 94%, canola and oats 89%. Crop growing conditions during the 2004 crop season have generally improved from last year, although adverse weather conditions in the fall significantly reduced crop quality. Provincial average yields for most crops this year are estimated to be higher than last year and the 10-year averages. In terms of crop quality, crops with higher grades are reported in the Southern and Central Regions. Based on preliminary results of early samples, about 40% 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 60%. The majority of total durum wheat is likely to make 1CWAD or 2CWAD (Canada Western Amber Durum). About 16% of barley in Alberta may be of the malt quality. Supplies of milling oats are expected to be tight this year. However, most canola is expected to be graded as No. 1 Canada.

The provincial average yield for tame hay is estimated to be higher than last year and the 10-year average (about 1.3 tons per acre). Hay quality ranges from poor to excellent. Rating of pasture conditions is 13% poor, 42% fair, 40% good, and 5% excellent. Fall seeded crops are mostly in good condition. Rain showers and snow received in September and October have improved soil moisture conditions. Provincially, soil moisture conditions are mostly rated as good to excellent at the surface level, and fair to good at the sub-surface level.

Please note that this is the last crop report of the 2004 crop reporting program.

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 2004 Alberta Crop Report Series continues to provide summaries for the following five regions:

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

• With 99% of the 2004 crop in the bin, harvest is virtually wrapped up in the region. Crops to be harvested are mainly flax and specialty crops. Harvesting progress is estimated to be over 80% completed for flax and sugar beets, and nearly 95% for lentils, chickpeas and mustard.
• Yields for most major crops are significantly higher than the 10-year averages.
• Conditions of fall seeded crops are reported as 28% fair, 71% good, and 1% excellent.
• The average hay yield is higher than the 10-year average; hay quality varies, with the majority of hay being rated as fair to good. Pasture conditions are rated as 18% poor, 42% fair, 38% good, and 2% excellent.

• Crop harvesting is estimated at 95% completed in the region; crops to be completed are mainly canola, oats and flax.
• Crop yields vary widely, with higher yields reported in western areas of the region.
• Soil moisture conditions are mostly rated as good to excellent at the surface level, and poor to good at the sub-surface level. Fall seeded crops are generally in good or excellent condition.
• Hay yields vary widely across the region; hay quality ranges from poor to excellent. Pasture conditions are rated as 16% poor, 46% fair, 26% good, and 12% excellent.

• With 95% of the crop in the bin, most producers in the region have finished harvesting for the 2004 crop season. By crop type, estimates of harvest progress are: dry peas 100%, durum wheat 98%, oats 96%, barley and spring wheat 95%, and canola 90%.
• Crop yields vary across the region, with most producers reporting average to above average yields.
• Average to above average hay yields are reported in most areas, but over 50% of tame hay in the region is rated as of poor quality. Pasture is generally in fair or good condition. The precipitation received in September and October have helped to improve soil moisture conditions in the region.

• The recent snow brought field operations to a standstill. Overall, combining is about 90% completed in the region. Harvesting progress is estimated to be nearly 100% completed for dry peas, 93% for barley, 90% for spring wheat and canola, and 80% for oats.
• Crop yields are close to the 10-year averages for spring cereals, but significantly higher than the 10-year average for canola. Cool, wet weather conditions in the fall reduced crop quality across the region. Less than 14% of Canada Western Red Spring Wheat in the region is expected to be graded as 1CWRS or 2CWRS. Only a small portion of barley may be of the malt quality. However, most canola could be graded as No. 1 Canada.
• Hay quality is reported as 25% poor, 34% fair, 36% good, and 5% excellent. Rating of pasture conditions is 19% poor, 42% fair, and 39% good.

• Harvest progress varies widely across the region. In the west central part of the region, for some areas, as much as 50% of the crop remain to be combined. However, harvest is much more advanced in other parts of the region. Overall, combining is estimated at 80% completed for the Peace Region. With the heavy snow coverage and wet fields, it will be difficult to finish combining crops still in the field.
• Average crop yields in the region are estimated to be close to the 10-year averages for cereal crops, but higher than the 10-year average for canola. Over 90% of Canada Western Red Spring Wheat could be graded as 3CWRS or lower. Supplies of milling oats and malt barley are expected to be limited in the region. The majority of canola could be graded as No. 1 Canada or No. 2 Canada.
• Hay quality is reported as 29% poor, 29% fair, 36% good, and 6% excellent. Rating of pasture conditions is 10% poor, 48% fair, 33% good, and 9% excellent.