| | Producers in Alberta have made significant progress in crop harvest, although rain showers continue to hamper field operations. Provincially, it is estimated that 38% of the crop is now in the bin, compared to 14% two weeks ago and 45% at this time in most years. Estimates of harvest progress vary considerably across the province. Many producers in the Southern Region have virtually wrapped up harvest for the year, while combining has just begun in most areas of the Peace Region.
Estimates of provincial harvest progress by crop type are: dry peas 74%, durum wheat 65%, barley 41%, spring wheat 37%, canola 26%, and oats 19% (see Table 1). Shown in Table 2 is the regional percentage of crops in swath. Overall, provincial yields this year are estimated to be similar to 10-year averages for dry peas, canola and spring cereals. However, yields are above average for fall seeded crops and most specialty crops under irrigation.
The central and northern parts of the province have reported frost occurring on the night of September 12. The frost may have caused some deterioration in crop quality, particularly for spring cereals. As well, some later seeded crops have likely suffered significant yield losses. Hail damage is reported across the province for some crops, especially in swathed canola. Damage from grasshoppers, gophers and other pests is also reported.
With respect to quality of grains already harvested, grade estimates are average for barley and canola, and above average for wheat. Preliminary results of early samples indicate that about 80% of hard red spring wheat and durum could be graded as No.1 and No.2. About 16% of barley could be of malt quality. For canola, 80% could be graded as No.1. Some small kernels and light bushel weights are reported for spring cereals. Additionally, producers are concerned about the recent cool, wet conditions affecting the quality of crops still in the field.
The second cut haying operation in Alberta is about 73% completed, with quality ranging mostly from fair to good. Pasture conditions are rated as 25% poor, 40% fair, 33% good, and 2% 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.
Table 1: Estimates of Crop Harvest Progress by Region
 | South | Central | N. East | N. West | Peace | Alberta |
| Spring Wheat | 73% | 29% | 28% | 13% | 10% | 37% |
| Durum Wheat | 68% | 41% | 33% | 0% | 0% | 65% |
| Oats | 67% | 27% | 17% | 4% | 2% | 19% |
| Barley | 77% | 27% | 30% | 19% | 14% | 41% |
| Canola | 71% | 32% | 34% | 13% | 4% | 26% |
| Dry P eas | 94% | 72% | 86% | 78% | 17% | 74% |
| All Crops | 74% | 30% | 32% | 15% | 8% | 38% |
Source: Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development, Statistics and Data Development Branch
Table 2: Estimates of Percentage of Crops in Swath by Region
| South | Central | N. East | N. West | Peace | Alberta |
| Spring Wheat | 14% | 29% | 25% | 12% | 13% | 20% |
| Durum Wheat | 15% | 27% | 53% | 0% | 0% | 15% |
| Oats | 17% | 18% | 27% | 23% | 30% | 23% |
| Barley | 13% | 29% | 24% | 22% | 24% | 22% |
| Canola | 24% | 47% | 56% | 76% | 82% | 61% |
| Dry Peas | 2% | 17% | 4% | 6% | 30% | 11% |
| All Crops | 14% | 30% | 31% | 30% | 37% | 27% |
Source: Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development, Statistics and Data Development Branch
REGIONAL ASSESSMENTS:
The 2007 Alberta Crop Report Series continues to provide summaries for the following five regions:
Region One: Southern (Strathmore, Lethbridge, Medicine Hat, Foremost)
- Many producers in the region have virtually wrapped up harvest for the year. However, the northwestern parts of the region lag behind, with only 30-50% of combining completed. Overall, about 74% of the crop is in the bin. For specialty crops, estimates of harvest progress are: chickpeas 82%, lentils 78%, mustard seeds 68%, dry beans 60%, and potatoes 34%.
- Due to severe dry conditions, low crop yields are reported in the southern parts of the region. Overall, yields are estimated to be average to below average for major crops, but above average for most specialty crops under irrigation. Preliminary results of early samples indicate favorable grade estimates for both cereals and oilseeds. Some crop damage from hail, sawfly and gophers is also reported.
- The second cut haying operation has wrapped up, with quality ranging from fair to excellent. Pasture conditions are reported as 49% poor, 26% fair, 23% good, and 2% excellent.
Region Two: Central (Rimbey, Airdrie, Coronation, Oyen)
- Due to the cool, damp weather conditions, crop harvest has been progressing slowly, and is estimated at 30% complete in the region. Frost on the night of September 12 may have caused some deterioration in crop quality. Crop damage from hail is also reported, particularly in swathed canola.
- Overall, crop yields are estimated to be similar to 10-year averages for spring cereals and canola. Based on preliminary results of early samples, quality is estimated to be average to above average for spring cereals, and average to below average for canola.
- The second cut haying operation is over 80% completed, with 82% rated as good to excellent. Pasture conditions are rated as 15% poor, 33% fair, 46% good, and 6% excellent.
Region Three: North East (Smoky Lake, Vermilion, Camrose, Provost)
- Producers in the region have made some progress in crop harvest, although the cool, damp weather continues to hamper field operations. Overall, about 32% of the crop has been combined. Yield estimates are average to below average for spring cereals, and above average for canola. Producers are concerned that the recent cool, damp weather could affect the quality of crops still in the field.
- Many areas in the region have reported crop damage from frost and hail. Also reported are crop losses due to wheat midge, grasshoppers and gophers.
- Pasture conditions are rated as 23% poor, 55% fair, and 22% good. Low yields are reported for second cut hay.
Region Four: North West (Barrhead, Edmonton, Leduc, Drayton Valley, Athabasca)
- Due to the cool, wet weather, crop harvest has been progressing slowly, and is estimated at 15% complete in the region. Yield estimates are below average for spring wheat, and slightly above average for oats, barley, and canola. With respect to quality, grade estimates are average to above average for spring cereals, and average to below average for canola.
- Many areas have reported crop damage from hail and frost. Also reported are some crop losses due to grasshoppers, gophers, and other pests.
- The second cut haying operation is nearly 60% completed, with quality ranging from poor to good. Pasture conditions are reported as 30% poor, 41% fair, 28% good, and 1% excellent.
Region Five: Peace River (Fairview, Falher, Grande Prairie, Valleyview)
- Rain showers continue to impede field operations. Overall, harvest of major crops is estimated at only 8% complete in the region. Many producers still need 4-5 weeks of favorable weather to wrap up harvest. Estimated yields are average to above average for spring cereals, canola, and dry peas. Crop quality is below average for spring cereals, but above average for canola. There are reports of some timothy for seeds still in the swath. Warm, dry weather is also needed to allow harvest to progress.
- Some areas have reported significant crop losses due to damage from wildlife. Also reported is damage from hail, frost and grasshoppers.
- Pasture conditions are reported as 8% poor, 45% fair, 43% good, and 4% excellent.
Click here to view the complete copy of this crop report.
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