Crop Conditions as of September 5, 2017

The provincial yield index improved modestly to 95.1% (See Table #2). The yield index declined further in the South region to 72.6% but rose in the Central to 96.0% on producers reporting better than expected yields. Yield indexes in the North East, North West and Peace regions showed little change in this report.

Crop quality information is very preliminary with only one-third of harvest completed. Currently 92% of HRS wheat is reported as grading 1 or 2 CW; 80% of the durum reported in #1 or #2 grades; 85% of barley as I CW or better; 88% of canola grading 1-Canada; and 88% of field peas grading 1 or 2-Canada.

REGIONAL ASSESSMENTS:
The 2017 Alberta Crop Report Series continues to provide summaries for the following five regions:

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

• Harvest progress rose 17 points on the week to 69% complete, well ahead of the 5 year average of 40%. The harvest of dryland crops is nearing completion leaving irrigated and special crops outstanding to harvest.
• 68% of the spring wheat has been harvested versus 5 yr average of 35%; Durum wheat at 70% compared to 34% average; Barley at 78% versus 45% average; Canola at 52% compared to 30% average; field peas are 99% harvested versus 5 yr average of 92%.
• Yield index declined to72.6% from 75.5% due to crop yield reductions of 1.5 - 2.5 bu/acre on major crops.
• 80% of HRS wheat grading #1 or #2 CW; 77% of durum grading #1 or #2; 70% of barley grading 1 CW or better; 66% of canola grading 1-Can; 91% of field peas in top 2 grades.

• Harvest progress rose 22 points on the week to 36% complete, well ahead of the 5 year average of 15%.
• 39% of the spring wheat has been harvested versus 5 yr average of 12%; Durum wheat at 58% compared to 18% average; Barley at 37% versus 13% average; Canola at 22% compared to 13% average; field peas are 87% harvested versus 5 yr average of 73%.
• Yield index rose to 96.0% from 87.7% due to crop yield increases of 3-6 bu/acre.
• 92% of HRS wheat grading #1 or #2 CW; 93% of durum grading #1 or #2; 88% of barley grading 1 CW or better; 80% of canola grading 1-Can; 93% of field peas in top 2 grades.

• Harvest progress rose 9 points on the week to 12% complete, slightly behind its 5 year average of 14%.
• 10% of the spring wheat has been harvested versus 5 yr average of 17%; Barley at 7% versus 11% average; Canola at 8% compared to 6% average; field peas are 72% harvested versus 5 yr average of 84%.
• Yield index was unchanged at 108.6%. Crop yield increased marginally for spring wheat and declined similarily for barley and canola.
• 100% of HRS wheat grading #1 or #2 CW; 95% of barley grading 1 CW or better; 100% of canola grading 1-Can; 86% of field peas in top 2 grades.

• Harvest progress rose 2 points on the week to 3% complete, behind its 5 year average of 10%.
• 1% of the spring wheat has been harvested versus 5 yr average of 14%; Barley at 4% versus 9% average; Canola at 0% compared to 4% average; field peas are 60% harvested versus 5 yr average of 72%.
• Yield index was virtually unchanged at 98.3%. Crop yield increased for canola & Field peas and declined for spring wheat and barley.
• 100% of HRS wheat is currently grading #1 or #2 CW; 97% of barley grading 1 CW or better; 61% of field peas in top 2 grades; No canola harvested at this time.

• Light frost recorded in eastern and northern portions of the region on September 4.
• Harvest progress rose 1 point on the week to 8% complete, behind its 5 year average of 22%.
• 13% of the spring wheat has been harvested versus 5 yr average of 27%; Barley at 9% versus 22% average; Canola at 4% compared to 12% average; field peas are 26% harvested versus 5 yr average of 74%.
• Yield index was virtually unchanged at 111.2%. Crop yield increased for peas and declined for barley & canola.
• 97% of HRS wheat grading #1 or #2 CW; 91% of barley grading 1 CW or better; 100% of canola grading 1-Can; 85% of field peas in top 2 grades.