Crop Conditions as of October 7, 2014

Provincially, 81 per cent of the crop has been harvested, compared to 72 per cent a week ago, while 11 per cent is still in swath, and eight per cent remain standing (see Table 1). Harvest in the Southern Region is 91 per cent complete, with four per cent of crops in swath. The Central Region has 73 per cent of crops combined and 16 per cent in swath. In the North East Region, 79 per cent of crops have been harvested, with 14 per cent in swath, while the North West Region reported 67 per cent harvested and 21 per cent in swath. The Peace Region reported 87 per cent harvested and seven per cent in swath.

Preliminary data for dryland yields have remained relatively flat compared to two weeks ago, and could still be 5-10 per cent above the five-year average for most crops (see Table 2).

Most crops are expected to have quality near the five-year average as a result of the hot and dry conditions in July and August, and the cool, wet weather in September. Currently, over 83 per cent of the barley, 80 per cent of the oats and 92 per cent of the canola are falling in the top two grades. Spring wheat quality is expected to be graded at 73 per cent 2 CW or better, which would be slightly above the five-year average.

Provincially, about 81 per cent of dryland hay production came from first cut, with 19 per cent from second cut. Quality of first and second cut hay was rated as 76 per cent and 66 per cent good to excellent, respectively. Areas with irrigated hay production had about 56 per cent from first cut, 40 per cent from second cut and four per cent from third cut, with quality rated as 92 per cent, 79 per cent and 85 per cent good to excellent, respectively.

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)

• The cool weather and precipitation temporarily slowed down harvest operations. However, with the recent dry weather, harvest is in full progress again and producers are practically done.
• Overall, 91 per cent of crops are in the bin, with four per cent in swath and five per cent still standing. About 92 per cent of canola is combined, with seven per cent in swath and one per cent still standing.
• Yields for major crops are estimated to be about two per cent above the five-year average, while in terms of quality 75 per cent of spring wheat, 81 per cent of the barley, 98 per cent of the oats and 97 per cent of the canola falling in the top two grades.
• First cut hay accounted virtually for 100 per cent of dryland hay production with quality rated as 89 per cent good to excellent. About 53 per cent of irrigated hay production came from first cut, 42 per cent from second cut and five per cent from third cut.

• After the wet and cool weather in the previous week, producers took advantage of the recent dry conditions allowing them to make good harvest progress.
• Overall, 73 per cent of crops are in the bin, with 16 per cent in swath and 11 per cent still standing. About 76 per cent of canola is combined, with 19 per cent in swath and five per cent still standing.
• Yields for major crops are estimated to be about 10 per cent above the five-year average, while in terms of quality 60 per cent of spring wheat, 78 per cent of the barley, 70 per cent of the oats and 78 per cent of the canola falling in the top two grades.
• About 85 per cent of hay production came from first cut and was rated as 63 per cent good to excellent, while second cut was rated as 46 per cent good to excellent.

• Recent precipitatoin slowed down harvest operations. Warm and dry weather would be beneficial.
• Regionally, 79 per cent of crops are in the bin, with 14 per cent in swath and seven per cent still standing. About 75 per cent of canola is combined, with 22 per cent in swath and three per cent still standing.
• Yields for major crops are estimated to be about 10-15 per cent above the five-year average, while in terms of quality 74 per cent of spring wheat, 85 per cent of the barley, 70 per cent of the oats and 93 per cent of the canola falling in the top two grades.
• About 77 per cent of hay production came from first cut and was rated as 79 per cent good to excellent, while second cut was rated as 74 per cent good to excellent.

• Harvest has resumed following a temporary halt due to wet weather.
• About 67 per cent of crops are in the bin with 21 per cent in swath and 12 per cent still standing. For canola, 74 per cent is harvested and another 25 per cent is in swath, with one per cent still standing.
• Generally, estimated crop yields are about 10 per cent above the five-year average, while in terms of quality 62 per cent of spring wheat, 92 per cent of the barley, 84 per cent of the oats and 95 per cent of the canola falling in the top two grades.
• About 67 per cent of hay production came from first cut, with quality rated as 76 per cent good to excellent, while 78 per cent of second cut hay is rated as good to excellent.

• Harvest is being delayed due to wet and cool weather. Warm and dry weather would be beneficial.
• Almost 87 per cent of crops are harvested, with seven per cent in swath and six per cent still standing. For canola, 86 per cent is in swath, while 10 per cent is harvested and four per cent still standing.
• Overall, yields are estimated to be about five per cent above the five-year average, while in terms of quality 96 per cent of spring wheat, 79 per cent of the barley, 86 per cent of the oats and 98 per cent of the canola falling in the top two grades.
• First cut hay accounted for 76 per cent of hay production with quality rated as 75 per cent in the good to excellent range, while second cut was rated as 56 per cent good to excellent.