As of May 27, seeding for major crops in Region Four (North West) has progressed to 93 per cent complete, well ahead of the five-year average of 70 per cent.
That’s the second-best progress rating, following the South region at 97 per cent complete, but ahead of the Central (89 per cent), North East (86 per cent) and Peace (84 per cent), according to the latest crop report from Agriculture Financial Services Corporation (AFSC) and the Government of Alberta.
The report also indicates surface (sub-surface) soil moisture is rated six (five) per cent poor, 47 (46) per cent fair, 38 (44) per cent good, nine (six) per cent excellent, and zero (zero) per cent excessive.
Pasture (tame hay) growth conditions have improved but still require additional rain to maintain growth, officials say. Conditions are rated five (two) per cent poor, 22 (14) per cent fair, 71 (72) per cent good, and two (13) per cent excellent.
Provincial seeding for major crops improved since last week, reaching 90 per cent, ahead of the five-year average of 81 per cent.
Crop emergence has also improved, reaching 57 per cent provincially, up from 31 per cent last week and well above the five-year average of 37 per cent. All regions sit ahead of their historical averages as well, with Central reporting 65 per cent emergence, Peace at 64 per cent, South at 62 per cent, North East reporting 46 per cent and North West coming in at 42 per cent.
Among the major crops, dry peas are almost complete at 99 per cent, with oats at the lowest completion rate: 74 per cent. Despite this progress, officials say dry winds have caused moisture levels to decline, which could be a concern for sustained crop and pasture development.
Provincially, surface and sub-surface soil moisture conditions are below the five- and 10-year averages for good to excellent ratings, save for the Central region. Some areas have reported fair to poor moisture levels, with no regions reporting excessive moisture levels.
Provincial surface (sub-surface) soil moisture ratings stand at seven (seven) per cent poor, 37 (39) per cent fair, 48 (49) per cent good, eight (four) per cent excellent, and zero (zero) per cent excessive.
Surface soil moisture rated good to excellent in the North West region decreased two per cent from last week, down to 47 per cent. Sub-surface moisture rated good to excellent is at 50 per cent in the North West (down seven per cent).
Meantime, provincial pasture conditions rated good to excellent is stable at 64 per cent, and above the five-year average of 57 per cent.
Tame hay growth showed a slight improvement, with rating of good to excellent at 66 per cent, above the five-year average of 58 per cent, the report says.
Good to excellent pasture conditions increased in the North West (73 per cent) and Central regions (87 per cent), while the North East(52 per cent) was stable and South (49 per cent) and Peace (41 per cent) recorded declines.
Tame hay conditions of good to excellent for the Central (89 per cent) and North West (85 per cent) also improved, though the South (48 per cent) and Peace regions (40 per cent) saw declines, and the North East (54 per cent) remained stable.
While conditions in the Central and North West regions are above their five-year averages, the South and Peace regions are below average.
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