Crop Conditions as of September 19, 2017

Crop Conditions as of September 19, 2017

Harvest progress is estimated at 56% completed with a further 18% in the swath compared to the 5 year average of 53% combined and 25% swathed (See Table #1). The provincial crop yield index was virtually unchanged since last report at 95.2% as yield improvements in the South were offset by yield declines in the Central and Peace regions. Yield indexes in the North East and North West regions were unchanged (See Table#2). With better than half the crop in the bin, quality has been very good. 94% of the spring wheat and 82% of the durum is reported in top 2 grades.

Soil moisture ratings improved with the precipitation this week. Surface moisture rose 8 points on the week to 54% good or excellent and sub soil moisture rose 3 points to 53% rated good or excellent. Fall seeded crops are performing poorly at this time with only 15% in the South and 29% in the Central regions rated in good or excellent condition.

Pasture conditions declined to 35% rated good or excellent from 38% last week.

• Harvest is nearing completion with 94% in the bin well ahead of the 5 yr ave of 75% harvested/13% swathed. Principally, only late harvested crops such as sugar beets, potatoes and flax remain outstanding.
• Yield Index rose to 74.0% from 72.6% on last report. Yield estimates increased by 0.5-1 bushel/acre for spring wheat, durum, and barley. Little change to yields of winter wheat, canola and field peas.
• Soil moisture ratings improved marginally. Surface moisture saw rating for Poor drop to 63% from 66%. Sub soil rating up 1 percentage point to 19% good.
• Pastures rated 71% Poor; 18% Fair; 9% Good; 2% Excellent (unchanged from last week).
• Quality is very good despite difficult growing season. 88% of spr. wheat & 80% of durum in top 2 grades. 73% of barley grading 1 CW or better. 74% of canola grading 1-Canada. 89% of field peas in top 2 grades.

• Harvest progress improved by 13 percentage points on the week to 70% combined/17% in the swath. The 5 year average is 41% harvested and 26% in the swath.
• Pea harvest is virtually complete, three-quarters of the spr. wheat & barley and half the canola is in the bin.
• Yield Index fell 1 point to 95%. After a significant upward adjustment on the previous yield report, yields estimates were reduced by 1-2 bushels/acre for most major crops. Canola was unchanged.
• Precipitation improved surface soil moisture ratings to 39% good/excellent from 24% last week. Sub soil ratings rose 4 points to 30% good/excellent.
• Pastures showed some improvement. Currently rated 47% Poor; 34% Fair; 29% Good; 0% Excellent.
• 95% of spring wheat & 98% of durum in top 2 grades. 82% of canola grading 1-Canada.

• Harvest progress slowed by precipitation at 30% combined & 27% in the swath, up 5 points for the week. 5 year average is 46% combined/34% swathed. Pea harvest is nearing completion, while one-third of the spr. wheat, and 20-25% of the barley and canola are in the bin.
• Yield Index was unchanged at 109% with canola estimate up half a bushel and peas down half a bushel/acre.
• Pasture ratings declined to 6% Poor; 43% Fair; 46% Good; 5% Excellent.
• Early for quality. 98% of wheat and 86% of field peas in top 2 grades; 97% of barley grading 1 CW or better.

• Harvest progress affected by precipitation and delayed maturity. Progress improved only 4 points this week to 14% combined/28% swathed. 5 year average is 36% combined/34% swathed. Peas nearing 90% complete, spring wheat & barley at 15-20% harvested, canola at less than 5% in the bin.
• Yield Index was unchanged at 98.3%. Individual crop yield changes were minimal this week.
• Pasture ratings declined to 7% Poor; 53% Fair; 30% Good; 10% Excellent.

• Harvest progress affected by precipitation late in the reporting period. Progress improved 15 points this week to 32% combined/30% swathed. 5 year average is 56% combined/24% swathed. Three-quarters of peas have been combined, spr. wheat & barley at 45% harvested, and canola at 13% in the bin.
• Yield Index declined to109.7% largely on a 1.5 bushel/acre reduction to the canola yield.
• Soil Moisture ratings at 76% rated good or excellent for surface and 72% rated good/excellent for sub soil.
• Pasture ratings unchanged at 2% Poor; 22% Fair; 56% Good; 20% Excellent.
• Early for quality. 97% of the spring wheat & 82% of the field peas in top 2 grades; 92% of barley grading 1 CW or better; 98% of canola currently grading 1-Canada.