| | This information has been made available by Agriculture Financial Services.
The August 2, 2007 Crop Report is also available as a PDF document on the AFSC website.
Prepared by:
James Wright
Project Manager
Research & Program Development
AFSC, Lacombe AB
Provincial
The province continued to experience hot temperatures over the past 2 weeks though some moderation has occurred. Precipitation has been very light across southern, central and the NE portion of north central Alberta. Some timely precipitation was received in the NW portion of north central Alberta and the Peace River block though amounts were small. Despite the seeding delays experienced in many areas of the province this spring, the hot July temperatures has forced crop development to progress rapidly such that 2007 crop stages are very similar to those in early August of 2006. The hot weather has also had a very detrimental effect on yield projections. Provincial cereal yields are currently estimated to be average to slightly below average while canola yields are anticipated to be below long term averages.
Provincial crop details as follows:
| Crop | % of Province Good/Excellent Rating | Yield Estimates (kg/acre) |
August 2 | July 19 | Dryland | Irrigated |
| Spring Wheat | 57.3% | 74.4% | 1,053 | 1,927 |
| Barley | 54.0% | 74.5% | 1,160 | 2,042 |
| Oats | 59.6% | 76.6% | 958 | 1,511 |
| W. Wheat | 77.7% | 88.3% | 1,222 | 2,177 |
| Canola | 53.4% | 69.6% | 708 | 1,136 |
| Field Peas | 63.0% | 78.0% | 923 | 1,315 |
First cut dryland hay is close to done with 91% completed. Yields are very good, averaging 2.0 tons/acre as compared to 1.6 tons/acre in 2006. Over 80% of the crop is rated good/excellent for quality. A small amount of second cut has been harvested but the hot dry conditions of July has affected regrowth and the amount of second cut harvested this year will be severely restricted. The harvesting of irrigated hay is well into its second cut with 45% completed.
The hot, dry weather of July has significantly affected the ratings for subsoil moisture, pasture and tame hay. Subsoil moisture is rated 14% poor/ 34% fair/ 40% good/ 9% excellent/ 3% excessive. This is a significant drop from July 19 when 68% of the province rated sub soil moisture as good/excellent. Pastures are rated 26% poor/ 36% fair/ 34% good/ 4% excellent (68% rated good/excellent on July 19) and tame hay is rated 24% poor/ 30% fair/ 38% good/ 8% excellent (77% rated good/excellent on July 19).
Lethbridge Region
The region saw a continuation of very hot, dry conditions. Much of the region has not seen any significant precipitation since mid June and crop conditions are deteriorating on a daily basis. Current estimates are anticipating cereals to yield slightly below average while canola yields will be significantly below average. There are also quality concerns being expressed for the potential of light test weight grain as the crops are filling under limited moisture conditions. Irrigated special crops such as sugar beets, corn, dry beans and potatoes have performed well under the hot conditions and are expected to provide average to above average yields. A small amount of harvest operations is reported, principally winter wheat.
Crop details for the region as follows:
| Crop | Average Crop Stage | % of Crop Rating Good/Excellent | Yield Estimates (kg/acre) |
August 2 | July 19 | Dryland | Irrigated |
| Spring Wheat | Late Milk | 41.5% | 53.9% | 909 | 2,011 |
| Durum Wheat | Late Milk | 44.5% | 61.5% | 893 | 2,033 |
| Barley | Late Milk | 42.9% | 60.7% | 1,076 | 2,114 |
| Oats | Med Milk | 44.8% | 63.6% | 827 | 1,581 |
| W. Wheat | Ripening | 74.7% | 87.3% | 1,119 | 2,177 |
| Canola | 97% Podding | 50.4% | 65.9% | 601 | 1,136 |
| Mustard | 97% Podding | 52.0% | 71.8% | 481 | 1,095 |
| Field Peas | 99% Podding | 54.5% | 68.0% | 735 | 1,315 |
| Lentils | 97% Podding | 40.8% | 58.6% | 569 | N/A |
| Chickpeas | 97% Podding | 42.8% | 62.8% | 599 | N/A |
There will be a good supply of high quality hay available in the region. 99% of the dryland first cut hay crop has been harvested with a yield of 2.2 tons/acre (2.0 tons/acre in 2006) and 86% rated as good/excellent quality. The dryland second cut crop is expected to be small due to the dry conditions. Currently, 14% of 2nd cut hay has been harvested. The first cut of irrigated alfalfa hay yielded 2.8 tons/acre with 92% of the crop rated in good/excellent quality. 39% of the second cut has been harvested with yields of 2.0 tons/acre and with 70% rated good/excellent for quality. Some irrigated hay producers may try to harvest 4 cuts this year if the weather cooperates.
Sub soil moisture is rated 22% poor/ 41% fair/ 35% good/ 2% excellent (good/excellent 43% on July 19). Pastures are rated 34% poor/ 41% fair/ 35% good (53% good/excellent on July 19) while tame hay is rated 16% poor/ 40% fair/ 42% good/ 2% excellent (65% rated good/excellent on July 19).
Red Deer Region
Hot weather predominated with some temperature moderation occurring during the latter part of the reporting period. Some light precipitation was reported on the western side of the region but it was often accompanied by moderate to heavy hail damage. Yield estimates in the region for cereals are average to slightly below average while canola yields will be below average. There are a few reports of the harvesting of field peas and winter wheat underway in the eastern portion.
Crop details for the region as follows:
| Crop | Average Crop Stage | % of Crop Rating Good/Excellent | Estimated Yield (dry) (kg/acre) |
August 2 | July 19 |
| Spring Wheat | Med Milk | 62.4% | 81.0% | 1,040 |
| Barley | Early Milk | 54.0% | 77.8% | 1,080 |
| Oats | Early Milk | 60.9% | 78.0% | 888 |
| W. Wheat | Ripening | 72.0% | 88.0% | 1,181 |
| Canola | 92% Podding | 57.0% | 78.6% | 676 |
| Field Peas | 97% Podding | 67.9% | 87.0% | 895 |
| Flax | N/A | 39.4% | 78.9% | N/A |
86% of the dryland hay harvest has been completed. Yields are averaging 2.3 tons/acre (1.8 tons/ac in 2006) with 88% rated as good/excellent quality. No information on second cut hay at this time. Sub soil moisture is rated 13% poor/ 32% fair/ 25% good/ 18% excellent/ 12% excessive (good/excellent rating was 71% on July 19). Tame hay and pastures are rated 19% poor/ 28% fair/ 43% good/ 10% excellent (91% rated good/excellent on July 19).
Camrose Region (East/North East)
Hot, dry weather predominated. Crops have been progressing on sub soil moisture but that has now been depleted and crops are beginning to suffer. Yield estimates are for average cereal crops and an average to slightly below average canola crop. There are reports of early field peas being harvested.
Crop details for the area as follows:
| Crop | Average Crop Stage | % of Crop Rating Good/Excellent | Estimated Yield (dry) (kg/acre) |
August 2 | July 19 |
| Spring Wheat | Med Milk | 54.2% | 85.4% | 1,040 |
| Barley | Early Milk | 46.5% | 83.1% | 1,006 |
| Oats | Entering Milk | 56.2% | 84.3% | 919 |
| W. Wheat | Soft Dough | 96.7% | 95.0% | 1,225 |
| Canola | 95% Podding | 53.1% | 77.0% | 699 |
| Field Peas | 100% Podding | 55.8% | 88.9% | 882 |
96% of the first cut hay has been completed with a yield of 1.8 tons/acre (1.6 tons/acre in 2006) and 77% rated in good/excellent quality. There is no information on 2nd cut. Sub soil moisture is rated 18% poor/ 50% fair/ 32% good/ 0% excellent (65% rated good/excellent on July 19). Pastures are rated 50% poor/ 38% fair/ 17% good (58% rated good/excellent on July 19) and hay is rated 57% poor/ 28% fair/ 15% good (60% rated good/excellent on July 19).
Camrose Region (West/North West)
The area experienced the hot temperatures but got the benefit some timely precipitation such that growing conditions are good in this part of the province. Some light to moderate hail damage was reported. Crop stage is a little later due to the better moisture conditions as compared to other areas of the province.
Crop details for the area as follows:
| Crop | Average Crop Stage | % of Crop Rating Good/Excellent | Estimated Yield (dry) (kg/acre) |
August 2 | July 19 |
| Spring Wheat | Pollination Completed | 71.1% | 81.4% | 1,266 |
| Barley | Pollination Completed | 65.7% | 88.6% | 1,380 |
| Oats | Pollination Completed | 68.9% | 82.5% | 1,143 |
| W. Wheat | Soft Dough | 85.0% | 87.3% | 1,442 |
| Canola | 86% Podding | 62.8% | 68.6% | 1,002 |
| Field Peas | 96% Podding | 72.1% | 81.7% | 1,176 |
90% of first cut hay harvest has been completed. Yields are averaging 2.3 tons/acre (1.6 tons/acre in 2006) with 80% rated in good/excellent quality. Approximately 3.5% of the 2nd cut crop has been harvested. Sub soil moisture is rated 13% poor/ 33% fair/ 47% good/ 7% excellent (68% rated good/excellent on July 19). Pastures are rated 20% poor/ 30% fair/ 44% good/ 6% excellent (66% rated good/excellent on July 19) and tame hay is rated 26% poor/ 27% fair/ 43% good/ 4% excellent (80% rated good/excellent on July 19).
Fairview Region
The region received moderate to hot weather with scattered showers throughout. Most areas are in need of additional moisture to finish the growing season. Early yield estimates indicate cereal and canola crops will be average to slightly below average.
Crop details for the region as follows:
| Crop | Average Crop Stage | % of Crop Rating Good/Excellent | Estimated Yield (dry) (kg/acre) |
August 2 | July 19 |
| Spring Wheat | Med Milk | 55.7% | 68.8% | 993 |
| Barley | Pollination Completing | 60.7% | 72.3% | 1,272 |
| Oats | Pollination Completing | 64.6% | 72.7% | 1,024 |
| Canola | 94% Podding | 42.7% | 56.5% | 624 |
| Field Peas | 97% Podding | 60.9% | 57.2% | 863 |
Approximately 86% of the 1st cut hay crop has been harvested with a yield of 1.6 tons/acre (1.3 tons/acre in 2006) and 70% rated good/excellent for quality. No 2nd cut haying has started. Sub soil moisture is rated 1% poor/ 18% fair/ 63% good/ 17% excellent/ 1% excessive (rating down slightly from 93% good/excellent on July 19). Pastures are rated 17% poor/ 51% fair/ 31% good/ 1% excellent (65% rated good/excellent on July 19) while tame hay is rated 3% poor/ 23% fair/ 49% good/ 25% excellent (89% rated good/excellent on July 19). |
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