Alberta Crop Conditions as of June 17, 2014

Crop development is slightly delayed particularly in the South and Central Regions. Provincially, cereal crops are in tillering stages, with canola being mostly in the one to six leaf development stage. Warm weather over the next few weeks is needed to further advance crops.

Provincially, about 76 to 79 per cent of spring wheat, durum, barley, oats, potatoes, and sugar beets are good to excellent condition, while canola and dry peas are 71 per cent and 83 per cent, respectively (see Table 1).

Surface soil moisture ratings declined to 78 per cent good to excellent, down four per cent from two weeks ago mainly due to dry conditions in the Central Region. Overall, surface soil moisture is rated as four per cent poor, 15 per cent fair, 42 per cent good, 36 per cent excellent, and three per cent excessive (see Table 2). Sub-surface moisture is three per cent poor, 12 per cent fair, 59 per cent good, 24 per cent excellent, and two per cent excessive.

Provincially, pasture and tame hay growth is rated as three per cent poor, 18 per cent fair, 63 per cent good, and 16 per cent excellent. Nearly one-half of weed spraying is complete. Most regions are reporting problems/concerns with flea beetles and gophers.

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.

The precipitation map is compiled by Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development, Environmental Stewardship Division, Technology and Innovation Branch.

Regional Assessments:
The 2014 Alberta Crop Report Series provides summaries for the following five regions:

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

• The weather conditions during the last two weeks have been mainly cool, with heavy rain during June 16 and 17, specifically in areas of Cardston County and Willow Creek MD. Due to these conditions and several rain and snowstorms earlier this spring, crop development is seven to 10 days delayed. Producers would benefit from warmer weather.
• Surface moisture conditions are rated as 84 per cent good to excellent, two per cent poor, 11 per cent fair, and three per cent excessive. About one-half of weed spraying is complete. Most areas are reporting problems/concerns with flea beetles and gophers.
• Pasture conditions are mostly favourable and reported as three per cent poor, 17 per cent fair, 62 per cent good, and 18 per cent excellent. Similar ratings were reported for tame hay. The rain over the past two weeks will improve pasture and tame hay growth across the region.

• During the past two weeks, most areas of the region received cooler weather, as well as, spotty showers. Producers would benefit from a mixture of warm weather and some precipitation to help with crop development, which is one week delayed.
• The good to excellent surface moisture conditions has decreased over the last two weeks by 28 per cent and are now rated as 55 per cent, 12 per cent poor, 30 per cent fair, and three per cent excessive. About 40 per cent of weed spraying is complete. Most areas are reporting problems/concerns with flea beetles and gophers.
• Pasture conditions are reported as 11 per cent poor, 27 per cent fair, 59 per cent good, and three per cent excellent, with similar ratings reported for tame hay.

• Both, precipitation and warm weather during the past two weeks have helped to advance crop development and improve crop conditions. Regionally, about 91 to 98 per cent of spring wheat, oats and dry peas and 87 per cent of canola are in good to excellent condition.
• Overall, surface moisture is rated as five per cent fair, 32 per cent good, 57 per cent excellent and six per cent excessive. Warm weather would be welcomed to take advantage of the favorable moisture. About 40 per cent of weed spraying is complete.
• Pasture conditions are reported as 11 per cent fair, 59 per cent good, and 30 per cent excellent, with similar ratings reported for tame hay.

• The cool and damp weather during the past two weeks in most areas of the region is slowing down crop development. Despite this, crop growing conditions are still favourable across the region, especially for spring wheat, barley, oats and dry peas, which are rated 93 to 96 per cent in good to excellent condition. Some areas are reporting problems/concerns with flea beetles.
• Surface moisture is rated as six per cent fair, 20 per cent good, 69 per cent excellent, and five per cent excessive. Warmer weather is needed to take advantage of the favorable moisture ratings. Producers made a great progress on weed spraying, and is about 60 per cent is complete.
• Pasture conditions are reported as 10 per cent fair, 76 per cent good, and 14 per cent excellent, with same ratings reported for tame hay.

• General precipitation (including snow) was reported across the south and central Peace Region. The northern part of the Peace Region has been mainly cool and received some showers.
• Surface soil moisture levels are at two per cent poor, 23 per cent fair, 61 per cent good, and 14 per cent excellent. Producers would benefit from warmer weather. Nearly 60 per cent of weed spraying is complete.
• Pasture conditions are reported as 23 per cent fair, 62 per cent good, and 15 per cent excellent, with similar ratings reported for tame hay.