Crop Conditions as of June 12, 2018

Provincially, crop growing conditions are 79 per cent good to excellent, compared to the 5-year average (2013-2017) of 72 per cent and the long term average (2004-2017) of 74 per cent. Growing condition ratings were above average in all regions, with exception of the Southern Region, which only received localized showers over the last week. About 86 per cent of spring wheat, 82 per cent of barley, 86 per cent of oats, 73 per cent of canola, 80 per cent of dry peas, 73 per cent of potatoes, 78 per cent of sugar beets and 80 per cent of dry beans are in good to excellent condition (see Table 1).

Showers last week improved soil moisture, pasture and tame hay growing conditions in all region, with the exception of the Southern Region. Provincially, surface soil moisture (sub-surface soil moisture ratings shown in brackets) is rated at 3 (4) per cent poor, 18 (21) per cent fair, 50 (46) per cent good and 28 (28) per cent excellent, with one (one) per cent excessive (See Table 2). While provincial pasture and tame hay condition ratings are in line with the 5-year averages, in the Southern Region these are a bit lower. Pasture conditions (tame hay conditions are in brackets) for the province are reported as 5 (5) per cent poor, 26 (29) per cent fair, 59 (58) per cent good and 10 (8) per cent excellent.

REGIONAL ASSESSMENTS:
The 2018 Alberta Crop Report Series continues to provide summaries for the following five regions:

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

• Precipitation was variable in the region, from localized rainfall with less than 5 mm of rain in the western parts, to precipitation of 10- 20 mm in the eastern and central parts. More moisture is still needed, as soil moisture, pasture and tame hay condition ratings have dropped from the previous week. Also, some uneven germination of oilseeds has been reported, due to a lack of moisture. Post-emergence spraying is well underway and 40 per cent complete. Gopher infestations is a concern in some areas.
• Spring seeded crops are mostly in the ending stage of tillering, while fall seeded crops are in the booting stage of development. About 52 per cent of canola, 64 per cent of dry peas and 63 per cent of lentils are in the 4-6 leaf/node stage.
• Regionally, about 65 per cent of crops are in good condition, with another six per cent rated as excellent.
• Pasture conditions (tame hay conditions shown in brackets) are reported as 9 (5) per cent poor, 31 (36) per cent fair, 52 (54) per cent good and 8 (5) per cent excellent.

• Last week`s precipitation was timely for crops and in advancing hay and pasture growth. However, more rain is needed, especially, in the western parts of the region. About 40 per cent of post-emergence spraying is complete. Flea beetles, army cutworms, wireworms and gopher infestations are a concern in some areas.
• Spring seeded crops are mostly in the tillering stage, while fall seeded crops are at the end of the stem elongation stage of development. About 56 per cent of canola, 61 per cent of dry peas and 81 per cent of lentils are in the 4-6 leaf/node stage.
• Regionally, 72 per cent of crops are in good condition and another seven per cent rated as excellent.
• Pasture conditions (tame hay conditions shown in brackets) are reported as 6 (7) per cent poor, 26 (32) per cent fair, 65 (59) per cent good and 3 (2) per cent excellent.

• After a spell of hot weather, recent showers was welcome in maintaining crop conditions, as well as sustaining pasture and hay growth. About 30 per cent of post-emergence spraying is complete. Army cutworms, wireworms and gopher infestations are a concern in some areas.
• While fall seeded crops have mostly started the booting stage of development, spring seeded crops are mainly starting the tillering stage. About 69 per cent of canola are in the 1-3 leaf/node and 82 per cent of dry peas are in the 4-6 leaf/node stage.
• Regionally, 76 per cent of all crops are in good condition and another 13 per cent rated as excellent.
• Pasture conditions (tame hay conditions shown in brackets) are reported as 1 (2) per cent poor, 17 (19) per cent fair, 63 (62) per cent good and 19 (17) per cent excellent.

• Most parts of the region had more than two inches of rain, that improved crop growing conditions and was beneficial for pasture and hay fields. Post-emergence spraying is 39 per cent complete.
• Most spring cereals are in the seedling stage of development, while 70 per cent of canola are in the 1-3 leaf/node and 75 per cent of dry peas are in the 4-6 leaf/node stage.
• Regionally, 64 per cent of all crops are in good condition and another five per cent rated as excellent.
• Pasture and tame hay conditions are reported as 13 per cent poor, 37 per cent fair, 47 per cent good and three per cent excellent.

• Showers this week provided much needed moisture that benefited even crop emergence and development. Post-emergence spraying is 34 per cent complete.
• Most cereals are in the seedling stage of development, with 84 per cent of canola and 78 per cent of dry peas in the 1-3 leaf/node stage.
• Regionally, 81 per cent of crops are in good condition and another eight per cent rated as excellent.
• Pasture and tame hay conditions are rated as 21 per cent fair, 67 per cent good and 12 per cent excellent.