Crop Conditions as of September 9, 2014

Provincially, 19 per cent of the crop has been harvested, while 30 per cent is still in swath, and 51 per cent remain standing (see Table 1). In most years, harvest is 25 to 30 per cent completed at this time. Harvest in the Southern Region is 24 per cent complete, with 22 per cent of crops in swath. The Central Region has 13 per cent of crops harvested and 30 per cent in swath. In the North East Region, 13 per cent of crops have been harvested, with 39 per cent in swath, while the North West Region reported six per cent harvested and 32 per cent in swath. The Peace Region reported 41 per cent harvested and 28 per cent in swath.

Preliminary data for dryland yields have improved slightly from two weeks ago, and could still be about average for most crops (see Table 2). For canola, the 2014 yield is estimated at 38.9 bushels per acre, spring wheat at 45.2 bushels per acre, and barley at 66.9 bushels per acre.

Sub-surface soil moisture ratings remain low, with only 60 per cent rated as good to excellent. This is mainly due to the lack of rain in July and August, especially in the South and Peace Regions.

Harvest of second cut hay is estimated at 51 per cent complete on dryland, with quality rated as 73 per cent good to excellent. Tame hay and pasture growth continued to decline, with only 45 per cent rated as good to excellent.

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 continues to provide summaries for the following five regions:

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

• Over the past week, the cool, wet conditions continued to slow down harvest operations. Some producers reported excessive rain and snow, which brought harvest to a temporary halt. Overall, about 24 per cent of cereals are in the bin, compared to 17 per cent a week ago. About 31 per cent of canola is still standing, with 49 per cent swathed and 20 per cent combined.
• Second cut hay operations are 87 per cent complete on irrigated land with the majority of hay (84 per cent) rated as good to excellent quality. Average yields are estimated at 1.8 tons per acre. Pasture is rated as 35 per cent good to excellent, down 11 per cent from a week ago.
• Surface soil moisture is rated at 58 per cent in the good to excellent range, while sub-surface moisture is rated at 67 per cent.

• The recent snow and rain brought harvesting to a temporary halt in some parts of the region. Cold nights and excessive precipitation have created concerns about a reduction in crop quality.
• Overall, nearly 13 per cent of the crop is already in the bin, compared to seven percent a week ago. About 17 per cent of canola has been combined, with 53 per cent in swath and 30 per cent standing. Yields for major crops are estimated to be about average.
• About 62 per cent of dryland hay and 10 per cent of irrigated hay have been harvested. Hay yields are 1.8 tons per acre for dryland and 1.3 tons per acre for irrigated, with quality rated at 58 per cent and 80 per cent good to excellent, respectively. Pasture and tame hay growth have not changed from a week ago and remain at about 60 per cent good to excellent condition.

• The cool weather, rain and snow have delayed crop harvest in most areas across this region. Over 13 per cent of the crop is already in the bin, compared to less than seven per cent a week ago. About 13 per cent of canola is standing, with 78 per cent swathed and nine per cent harvested. Overall, crop yields are estimated to be about average.
• About 80 per cent of second cut hay operations have been completed, with quality estimated at 76 per cent good to excellent, and yields at about 0.8 tons per acre. Pasture and tame hay growth conditions are down compared to last week, and are now reported as 54 per cent in good to excellent condition.
• Surface and sub-surface moisture conditions are rated as 78 per cent and 75 per cent good to excellent, respectively.

• Showers, snow and light hail have delayed crop harvest in most areas across this region. Overall, harvest progress remains slow, with about six per cent of crops in the bin, compared to less than five percent a week ago. About three per cent of canola has been combined, with 65 per cent in swath and 32 per cent standing. Yields are estimated to be about average.
• About half of second cut hay operations have been completed, and are estimated at 90 per cent of good to excellent quality. Pasture and tame hay growth have continued to decline and are now reported as 28 per cent in good to excellent condition.
• Surface soil moisture is rated at 91 per cent in the good to excellent range, while sub-surface moisture is rated at 43 per cent.

• Rain, snow and cool weather have halted harvest operations. Some producers are reporting concerns of potential frost damage on immature crops. Overall, about 41 per cent of the crop has now been combined, compared to 35 per cent a week ago. About 18 per cent of canola is standing, with 46 per cent swathed and 36 per cent in the bin. Yields are estimated to be about average.
• Harvest of second cut hay is about 24 per cent completed, with an average yield estimated at 1.0 tons per acre, and 58 per cent rated as good to excellent quality. Pasture and tame hay growth conditions have not changed significantly from last week and are rated as 42 per cent good to excellent condition.
• Surface and sub-surface moisture conditions are rated as 27 per cent and 38 per cent good to excellent, respectively.