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Producers in the province continue to make progress in crop harvest, despite rain, snow and frost hampering field operations. Provincially, harvest is estimated at 95 per cent complete as of October 28, 2010, compared to 86 per cent a week earlier.
Crops still in the field are mostly in the Southern and Central Regions. Specifically, harvest lags behind in the following areas: Cardston at 65 per cent complete, areas north and east of Calgary at 75-85 per cent, and areas east of Morrin at 75-90 per cent. The weather forecast for the Southern and Central Regions suggests favorable conditions over the next week, and should allow producers in these areas to wrap up harvest for the year.
Overall, crop yields are estimated to be below average in the southern and central areas of the Peace Region, and mostly above average in other areas of the province. With respect to crop quality, grade estimates for both cereals and oilseeds are below average, mainly as a result of cool, damp conditions and frost damage in the fall.
Hay supply in the province is mostly adequate, except in the Peace Region, due to low yields. Hay quality varies, ranging from poor to excellent.
Just to note, estimates of crop harvest progress for October 28, 2010 were generated through an informal survey, done in partnership with AFSC.
Given that harvest is virtually completed and favorable weather condition is in the forecast for the next week, this is likely to be the final update for crop harvest for 2010.
Table 1: Alberta Crop Harvest Progress, 2010 |  |
| South | Central | N. East | N. West | Peace | Alberta |
| Sept 9 | 9.4% | 3.8% | 2.2% | 3.0% | 24.5% | 7.8% |
| Sept 23 | 10.7% | 4.9% | 5.5% | 7.6% | 57.1% | 13.0% |
| Oct 7 | 40.0% | 27.0% | 51.0% | 52.0% | 91.0% | 50.0% |
| Oct 21 | 75.0% | 82.0% | 92.8% | 97.4% | 99.0% | 86.2% |
| Oct 28* | 92.0% | 91.0% | 97.0% | 98.0% | 100.0% | 95.0% |
| Source: Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development * Estimates from an informal survey |
Our thanks to Alberta Agricultural Fieldmen, staff of AFSC and the Alberta Ag-Info Centre for their partnership and contribution to the Alberta Crop Reporting Program.
Note to Users: The contents of this document may not be used or reproduced without properly accrediting Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development, Economics and Competitiveness Division, Statistics and Data Development Branch.
The 2010 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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