Alberta Crop Report - August 30, 2007

The August 30, 2007 Crop Report is also available as a PDF document on the AFSC website.

Prepared by:
James Wright
Project Manager
AFSC, Lacombe AB

Provincial
Cooler and wetter weather predominated in most areas of the province during the period of August 16 – 30th. The effect has been a slowing of crop maturity and delays in harvest operations. In most areas, yield expectations for spring seeded crops continue at long term average levels. Frost was reported on August 28 in many areas on the western side of the province. The severity and effect has yet to be determined especially on later maturing crops.
The precipitation has improved soil moisture ratings slightly. Provincial ratings are 19% poor/ 31% fair/ 34% good/ 13% excellent/ 3% excessive.

The precipitation has slowed the harvest progress of 2nd cut hay which is rated at 55% completed but provided a slight improvement to pasture and tame hay ratings. Pastures are rated 20% poor/ 40% fair/ 35% good/ 5% excellent. Tame hay is rated 21% poor/ 34% fair/ 38% good/ 7% excellent.

Provincial Crop Conditions & Harvest Progress


Lethbridge Region
Light precipitation fell in the southern half of the region which caused minimal delays. Across the northern half, 35 – 60 mm was received which has slowed operations. Regionally, harvest is 45% completed. In the drier south portion, spring cereals are 65 – 70% harvested and canola is 50% while they are only 10% harvested in the wetter northern half. Yields are average and quality has been good, which is better than expected. Protein levels on wheat are reported to be above average. The harvest of winter cereals is close to being complete in all areas.

The harvesting of early potatoes is underway and dry beans are starting to be undercut. Average to above average yields are anticipated. The sugar beet harvest won’t start until October 1 with above average yields expected.

The harvest of 2nd cut hay is virtually completed on dryland and irrigation with fair to good quality. Pastures are rated 28% poor/ 41% fair/ 30% good/ 1% excellent. Tame hay is rated 22% poor/ 46% fair/ 31% good/ 1% excellent.

Soil moisture is a concern in the southern half of the region where top soil moisture is rated 60% poor/ 30% fair and sub soil moisture is rated 45% poor/ 35% fair. These ratings could have a significant effect on the seeding of winter cereals this fall if additional precipitation does not occur between now and September 20th.

Lethbridge Region Crop Conditions & Harvest Progress


Red Deer Region
Below average temperatures and frequent precipitation slowed maturity and delayed harvest. Yield and quality information is extremely sketchy based on the slow start but yields are anticipated to be average to slightly below average in most areas.

Soil moisture is poor in the eastern portion of the region but generally fair to good in the west. Top soil moisture for the region is rated 17% poor/ 27% fair/ 29% good/ 21% excellent/ 6% excessive. Sub soil moisture is rated 32% poor/ 15% fair/ 24% good/ 21% excellent/ 8% excessive.

The harvest of 2nd cut dryland hay is approximately 50% completed. Yields and quality have been good but quality is expected to deteriorate on the unharvested hay due to the frequent precipitation experienced. Pastures and tame hay have benefited from the precipitation with pastures rated 18% poor/ 34% fair/ 36% good/ 12% excellent. Tame hay is rated 17% poor/ 29% fair/ 43% good/ 11% excellent.

Red Deer Region Crop Conditions & Harvest Progress


Camrose Region
Below average temperatures and frequent showers were experienced across the region. Harvest progress is estimated at 6.9% completed, with the eastern half slightly more advanced at 8.5% versus 2.3% harvested in the west half. The eastern half has been drier than the west, thus the recent precipitation has been very beneficial for the pastures and tame hay in that part of the region.

In the eastern portion of the region, soil moisture is rated 17% poor/ 48% fair/ 35% good. 2nd cut hay is 22% completed with poor to fair yields and fair to good quality. Pastures are rated 27% poor/ 50% fair/ 23% good with tame hay rated 40% poor/ 42% fair/ 18% good.

Camrose Region (East/NE) Crop Conditions & Harvest Progress


In the western portion of the region, soil moisture is rated 16% poor/ 41% fair/ 36% good/ 7% excellent. 2nd cut hay is 42% completed with fair to good yields and fair to good quality. Pastures are rated 22% poor/ 39% fair/ 36% good/ 3% excellent. Tame hay is rated 25% poor/ 31% fair/ 39% good/ 5% excellent.

Camrose Region (West/NW) Crop Conditions & Harvest Progress


Fairview Region
The cool, wet weather experienced in the region has delayed maturity causing most crops to be 10 days later than normal and at a significant frost risk. The region has the potential for average to slightly above average yields despite all the problems it encountered this spring trying to get seeding accomplished. Soil moisture is very good with ratings of 1% poor/ 13% fair/ 45% good/ 37% excellent/ 4% excessive.

The 2nd cut hay crop is approximately 90% completed. Pastures are rated 4% poor/ 37% fair/ 49% good/ 10% excellent. Tame hay is rated 1% poor/ 23% fair/ 57% good/ 19% excellent.

Fairview Region Crop Conditions & Harvest Progress