Alberta Crop Report September 24, 2013

The September 24, 2013 Crop Report is also available as a PDF file on the AFSC website.

Provincial

Harvest operations have been proceeding at a rapid pace due to the warm, dry weather experienced across the province. Despite some precipitation in the South and Peace regions which slowed harvest in those areas, it is estimated that 71% of the province has now been harvested with a further 19% in the swath. This progress compares with 62% harvested in 2012 and the 5 year average of 48%. Harvest progress is highest in the South region at 83% and lowest in the North West at 53%. To date, 76% of the spring wheat, 84% of the durum, 74% of the barley and 60% of the canola is now in the bin.

Reported yields are exceptional with the quantities being the highest ever reported for virtually all crops in all regions. 2013 yields are anticipated to be 20 – 25% above the average of the last 5 years. The cooperating dry weather is also providing above average quality with 93% of the spring wheat, 94% of the barley, 90% of the oats and 98% of the canola falling in the top two grades.

Soil moisture ratings have been declining as the summer progressed. Currently, 57% of the province is rated as good/excellent for surface soil moisture, down from 69% on September 10. Sub soil moisture is rated at 64% good/excellent, down from 71%.

The drier conditions are affecting the seeding and crop condition ratings of the 2014 fall cereal crop. Only 62% of fall cereals are rated in good/excellent condition in the South region while only 50% is rated good/excellent in the Central region.



Regional Assessments

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

• Harvest is 83% complete compared to 88% in 2012 and 60% over the past 5 years.
• Yields are 15 – 20% above 5 year averages.
• Quality is good though below 2012 and below rest of province due to the recent precipitation.
• Surface soil moisture 53% good/excellent; sub soil moisture 58% good/excellent.

• Harvest ahead of 2012 and 5 year average at 68% completed compared to 53% in 2012 and 44% for the past 5 years.
• Yields are 20 – 30% above 5 year averages.
• Quality is very good with 90% of the spring wheat, 92% of the barley and 96% of the canola in the top 2 grades.
• Surface soil moisture 41% good/excellent; sub soil moisture 51% good/excellent.

• Harvest completion well ahead of normal at 68% completed compared to 47% in 2012 and a 5 year average of 43%.
• This was a dry area this year but timely precipitation during the growing season has resulted in yield estimates which are 10 – 20% above 5 year averages.
• Quality is very good with virtually all spring wheat, barley and canola in top 2 grades.
• Surface soil moisture 62% good/excellent; sub soil moisture 68% good/excellent.

• Late maturing region as a result of a slow start in the spring and cool, wet conditions during much of the growing season. Harvest is 53% completed compared to 43% at this time in 2012 and a 5 year average of 34%.
• Yields are estimated at 20 – 30% over 5 year averages.
• Quality is very good with 95% of spring wheat, barley and canola in top 2 grades.
• Surface soil moisture 43% good/excellent; sub soil moisture 61% good/excellent.

• Growers have been able to make good harvest progress despite receiving precipitation with 70% harvested compared to 68% in 2012 and 48% over past 5 year average.
• Growing conditions were very good across much of the Peace region this year. As a result, yield estimates are 30 – 40% above 5 year averages.
• Quality is very good with virtually all spring wheat, barley and canola in the top 2 grades.
• Surface soil moisture 94% good/excellent; sub soil moisture 98% good/excellent.