Alberta Seeding of Major Crops Nears End

Amid improving moisture conditions, Alberta seeding of major crops is nearing completion.

The latest weekly crop on Friday pegged the seeding of major crops (spring wheat, barley, oats, canola and dry peas) at 90% complete as of Tuesday, up from 70% a week earlier and well ahead of the five- and 10-year provincial averages of 77.5% and 82%, respectively.

Planting of major crops remains the most advanced in the southern region, where 94% of the crop was in as of Tuesday. The South Region was followed closely by the North East at 91% and the Central and Peace at 89%. Planting in the North West was estimated at 80% complete.

Peas were reported at 97% seeded across the province as of Tuesday, followed by spring wheat at 95%, barley at 86%, canola at 85% and oats at 73%.

According to the report, total precipitation accumulation over the past 30-days have been at least near normal for most of the province, with the except for the northern half of the Peace Region, which has only received 10-20 mm. Meanwhile, some parts of the South Region and a large area in the North West Region have received above normal accumulations.

Most of southern Alberta received heavy snow May 17- 19, 2021, and the North East and South regions received subsequent rains over this past long holiday weekend. This resulted in total precipitation of 20-50 mm for the South Region and the southeastern parts of the North East Region, where it was much needed. Most areas in the Central Region as well as a large area from the southern to the central and western parts of the North West Region received at least 10- 15 mm of precipitation.

The precipitation improved soil moisture reserves for all regions by at least 15 points, except in the Peace Region, where soil moisture ratings declined from a week ago by 17 points. About 82% of fields in Alberta now have good or excellent surface soil moisture, compared to the five-year average of 78%.

Region One: South (Strathmore, Lethbridge, Medicine Hat, Foremost)

· Snowfall over the past week coupled with rains over the long weekend brought much needed moisture to the region, improving the crop growth outlook going forward. Cooler temperatures on the other hand slowed germination and frost was reported for some areas. Some re-seeding is possible for the areas with wind or frost damage.

· Seeding is estimated at 94 per cent complete, up 13 per cent from a week ago, with about 52 percent of crops emerged.

· Precipitation over the last two weeks improved hay and pasture fields conditions. Pasture conditions (tame hay shown in brackets) are rated as 5 (2) percent poor, 33 (31) percent fair, 56 (60) percent good and 6 (7) percent excellent.

· Fall seeded crops are rated as 2 percent poor, 22 percent fair, 67 percent good and 9 percent excellent.

Region Two: Central (Rimbey, Airdrie, Coronation, Oyen)

· Central Region received more moisture that was needed for crop germination, pastures and forages. Frost was reported in some counties. Warm weather is needed for the active growth of crops and forages.

· Seeding advanced to an estimated 89 percent complete, up 18 percent from a week ago, with about 41 percent of crops emerged.

· Pasture conditions (tame hay shown in brackets) are rated as 12 (10) percent poor, 20 (17) percent fair, 67 (71) percent good and 1 (2) percent excellent. · Fall seeded crops are rated as 5 percent poor, 14 percent fair and 81 percent good.

Region Three: North East (Smoky Lake, Vermilion, Camrose, Provost)

· The rain over the weekend was much needed in some areas and helped crops to emerge. However, crop emergence has been slow due to cold temperatures. Frost was reported for a couple of nights in most areas.

· Seeding is now estimated at 91 percent complete, up 23 percent from a week ago, with about 41 percent of crops emerged.

· Forage and pasture growth is still slow, but as soon as the weather warms up, fields should grow actively. Pasture conditions (tame hay shown in brackets) are rated as 54 (52) percent poor, 28 (24) percent fair, 17 (23) percent good and 1 (1) percent excellent.

· For fall seeded crops, conditions are reported as 27 percent fair, 47 percent good and 26 percent excellent.

Region Four: North West (Barrhead, Edmonton, Leduc, Drayton Valley, Athabasca)

· Accumulation of precipitation over the past couple of weeks led to flooding in some low areas, as well as areas with heavier soil. The below zero temperatures slowed crop emergence and growth. Frost was reported for most parts of the region, with any potential damage to be determined.

· Seeding is estimated at 80 percent completed, up 21 percent from a week ago, with about 28 percent of crops emerged.

· Hay and pasture fields are progressing as a result of recent precipitation but are still lagging behind normal and are in need of heat. Pasture conditions (tame hay shown in brackets) are rated as 36 (44) percent fair, 62 (55) percent good and 2 (1) percent excellent.

· For fall seeded crops, conditions are reported as 32 percent fair and 68 percent good.

Region Five: Peace (Fairview, Falher, Grande Prairie, Peace River, Valleyview)

· Minimal rainfall over the past week allowed for significant seeding progress. Frost was reported for a couple of nights, but it is too early to tell if any re-seeding will be needed. Although the region is not in desperate need of rain, some moisture could improve crops, forages and pastures.

· Seeding is now estimated at 89 percent complete, up 31 percent from a week ago, with 41 percent of crops emerged.

· Pasture conditions (tame hay shown in brackets) are rated as 17 (17) percent poor, 30 (31) percent fair, 51 (50) per cent good and 2 (2) percent excellent.