As of May 20, seeding for all crops (major crops) in Region Four (North West Zone) is progressing well, with 72 (73) per cent complete, well ahead of the five-year average of 44 per cent.
That’s according to the latest Crop Report from AFSC and the Government of Alberta, which also shows surface (sub-surface) soil moisture is rated 10 (10) per cent poor, 41 (34) per cent fair, 39 (40) per cent good, 10 (16) per cent excellent, and zero (zero) per cent excessive.
Meantime, pastures (tame hay) are in need of warmth to improve growth. Conditions are rated seven (one) per cent poor, 27 (21) per cent fair, 64 (66) per cent good, and three (12) per cent excellent.
Fall-seeded crops are performing well, with zero per cent poor, 24 per cent fair, 59 per cent good, and 17 per cent excellent.
Overall, recent rainfall and cooler temperatures have been a boon for soil moisture, benefitting early crop growth. Some farmers, however, have reported seeding delays due to these conditions.
Provincial seeding for all crops stands at 73 per cent complete, ahead of the five-year average of 59 per cent. Regionally, the South Zone leads at 87 per cent seeded, followed by the Central, North West, and North East.
Dry peas and spring wheat lead the major crops in seeding, at 90 and 87 per cent, respectively, while oat is at 47 per cent. Barley sits at 47 per cent in the South, while the North West, North East and Peace are below 20 per cent. Canola and oats remain under 30 per cent in all regions.
Crop emergence is also progressing well, with 32 per cent of all crops emerged, significantly higher than the five-year average of 16 per cent. Cooler conditions and frost, however, have delayed emergence in the North West and North East, with many fields under 25 per cent.
As temperatures rise for summer, farmers expect to make good progress and could wrap up seeding by the end of May, if weather permits.
The recent precipitation improved soil moisture in many parts of the province. Sub-surface soil moisture has also shown increases in most areas, suggesting that recent rainfall is starting to penetrate deeper into the soil. Provincially, surface (sub-surface) moisture conditions are rated five (six) per cent poor, 31 (35) per cent fair, 54 (53) per cent good, 10 (six) per cent excellent, and zero (zero) per cent excessive. Overall, soil moisture conditions are generally favorable for crop emergence and early growth across most areas.
The rainfall has also improved pasters and tame hay growth conditions across much of the province. Reports show that pasture (tame hay) growth conditions are rated provincially as seven (seven) per cent poor, 28 (28) per cent fair, 59 (56) per cent good, and five (eight) per cent excellent. Regionally, the North West is seeing the second-best good to excellent pasture growth rating at 67 per cent, trailing behind the Central at 84 per cent.
When it comes to good to excellent condition ratings for pasture (tame hay) growth, the regions sit at 55 (55) per cent in the South, 84 (84) per cent in the Central, 51 (54) per cent in the North East, 67 (78) per cent in the North West, and 43 (41) per cent in the Peace. Officials say with continued good conditions, pastures and tame hay fields are likely to improve in the coming weeks.
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