Warm and windy weather accelerated crop development across Alberta during the past week, although excess moisture continued to hamper crops in several regions, particularly the northwest and northeast.
All crops in the province were rated 66% good to excellent as of Tuesday, down 2 points from June 30. That compares to the five-year average of 59%, and the 10-year average of 67%.
At 64% good to excellent, major crop conditions (spring wheat, oats, barley, canola, and dry peas) were unchanged across Alberta compared to the previous week. Regionally, major crop conditions in the South improved slightly to 85% from 85%, while the Northeast rose to 52% from 50% and the Northwest increased to 31% from 29%. The Central Region was steady at 81%, while the Peace Region recorded the largest decline, falling to 55% from 58%.
Dry peas were the highest-rated major crop provincially at 72% good to excellent, followed by spring wheat and barley at 69% each. Canola and oats had the lowest ratings at 56% and 50%, respectively, as excessive moisture caused thin stands and reduced crop vigour in northern areas.
Spring cereals averaged the early stages of head emergence. Durum was the most advanced cereal and was beginning to flower, while oats were in the middle of the booting stage. About 86% of broadleaf crops were flowering, ahead of both the five- and 10-year averages of 76%.
Surface soil moisture was rated 73% good to excellent, down from 80% a week earlier. Another 10% was rated excessive.
Producers reported localized pest pressure from diamondback moths, lygus bugs, root maggots and gophers, with some gopher damage exceeding threshold levels in central and northwestern Alberta.
Region One: South (Strathmore, Lethbridge, Medicine Hat, Foremost)
• Amidst rising temperatures, thundershowers and hail were reported around the region. Warm weather helped crops progress, but some pulses still show signs of water and disease stress. Rain will be needed to combat historically hot temperatures seen in July and early August. 91 per cent of canola and peas are flowering, along with 88 per cent of lentils. The majority of spring cereals are in early flowering as well.
• Tame hay growth conditions (5-year average) are rated as 2 (26) per cent poor, 28 (43) per cent fair, 66 (29) per cent good, and 3 (3) per cent excellent.
Region Two: Central (Rimbey, Airdrie, Coronation, Oyen)
• While a few areas are still experiencing the effects of excessive moisture and scattered hail, hot weather over the week helped advance crops. 93 per cent of canola and lentils and 92 per cent of peas are flowering, while the majority of spring cereals are halfway through head emergence.
• Tame hay growth conditions (5-year average) are rated as 0 (14) per cent poor, 3 (29) per cent fair, 91 (45) per cent good, and 6 (12) per cent excellent.
Region Three: North East (Smoky Lake, Vermilion, Camrose, Provost)
• The ground remains saturated in many areas and continues to stress crops, though recent heat is helping crops progress. The first spikelet of the crop head is just becoming visible for the majority of spring cereals in the North East and 70 per cent of canola and 78 per cent of dry peas are flowering. Both ground and aerial fungicide spraying are being applied.
• With excess moisture and recent heat, tame hay is reported to be thriving, though cutting is delayed in some areas due to soft ground conditions. Tame hay growth conditions (5-year average) are rated as 0 (27) per cent poor, 12 (33) per cent fair, 64 (38) per cent good, and 24 (3) per cent excellent.
Region Four: North West (Barrhead, Edmonton, Leduc, Drayton Valley, Athabasca)
• Most spring cereals in the North West are nearing the end of booting as the flag leaf sheath is finishing opening. 86 per cent of canola is flowering along with 84 per cent of dry peas. • In-crop herbicide and fungicide applications are happening where conditions allow, as some parts of the region have received up to an inch of rain and some hail over the past week. Many areas reported flooded-out acres.
• Being able to put up dry, quality hay has become a concern as field access is limited in areas and frequent rainfall leaves short windows. Tame hay growth conditions (5-year average) are rated as 0 (15) per cent poor, 23 (34) per cent fair, 47 (40) per cent good, and 30 (11) per cent excellent.
Region Five: Peace (Fairview, Falher, Grande Prairie, Valleyview)
• Spring cereals are currently in early booting as the seed head forms inside the upper flag leaf. 92 per cent of canola and 89 per cent of dry peas are flowering.
• Warm and windy conditions have crops progressing faster, but showers and hail were still reported across the region.
• Tame hay growth conditions (5-year average) are rated as 10 (20) per cent poor, 32 (36) per cent fair, 46 (41) per cent good, and 12 (4) per cent excellent.
