Unseasonably cool and snowy conditions delayed the start of spring seeding across much of Alberta, even as late-season moisture helped improve soil conditions heading into the growing season.
The province’s first crop report of the year showed the planting of all crops at about 8% complete as of Tuesday, behind the five-year average of 15% and the 10-year average of 13%. Major crops (spring wheat, oats, barley, canola, and dry peas) were 6.1% seeded, with activity furthest advanced in southern and central Alberta, where fields dried through April. Seeding in the South region was almost 26% complete for all crops, compared with the five-year average of 36.5%, while the Central region was 3.5% seeded, well behind its average of 12%.
Progress was minimal farther north, where snowmelt was still underway. The North East, North West and Peace regions were each less than 1% seeded, with the Peace region’s snowpack only beginning to melt. Seeding was expected to begin first in southern areas of the Peace where fields are dry enough to support equipment.
Among major crops, spring wheat was 7% seeded provincially, barley was 10.5%, canola was just 0.8% and dry peas were 17%. Durum was further advanced at 34%, reflecting stronger progress in the South region, where 39% of the crop had been seeded. Lentils were 22% complete, chickpeas 31% and mustard 17%.
While the cool spring slowed fieldwork, late precipitation contributed to supportive soil moisture. Provincial surface soil moisture was rated 68% good to excellent, compared with the five-year average of 53%. Sub-surface moisture was rated 60% good to excellent. Moisture conditions were strongest in the Central and North East regions, both at 74% good to excellent, while the Peace region had a large share rated excessive.
Fall-seeded crop conditions were generally favourable, with 67% rated good to excellent, slightly above the five-year average of 65%. Conditions were strongest in the South and Central regions.
Region One: South (Strathmore, Lethbridge, Medicine Hat, Foremost)
• Advancement of seeding for all crops (major crops) is at 26 (23) per cent complete, compared to the 5-year average of 37 (33) per cent.
• Sub-surface moisture is 13 per cent poor, 34 per cent fair, 41 per cent good, 9 per cent excellent, and 3 per cent excessive.
• Conditions of fall-seeded crops are 5 per cent poor, 21 per cent fair, 55 per cent good, and 19 per cent excellent.
• Tame hay conditions are reported as 5 per cent poor, 23 per cent fair, 60 per cent good, and 13 per cent excellent.
Region Two: Central (Rimbey, Airdrie, Coronation, Oyen)
• Seeding progress for all crops (major crops) is 4 (4) per cent complete, compared to the 5-year average of 12 (12) per cent.
• Documented sub-surface moisture is 7 per cent poor, 26 per cent fair, 58 per cent good, 9 per cent excellent, and 0 per cent excessive.
• Reported conditions of fall-seeded crops are 1 per cent poor, 29 per cent fair, 68 per cent good, and 2 per cent excellent.
• Conditions of tame hay are reported as 11 per cent poor, 13 per cent fair, 73 per cent good, and 3 per cent excellent.
Region Three: North East (Smoky Lake, Vermilion, Camrose, Provost)
• Reported seeding for all crops (major crops) is 0 (0) per cent complete, compared to the 5-year average of 3 (3) per cent.
• Reported sub-surface moisture is 16 per cent poor, 25 per cent fair, 42 per cent good, 14 per cent excellent, and 3 per cent excessive.
• Reported conditions of fall-seeded crops are 0 per cent poor, 31 per cent fair, 69 per cent good, and 0 per cent excellent.
• Conditions of tame hay are reported as 15 per cent poor, 50 per cent fair, 33 per cent good, and 2 per cent excellent.
Region Four: North West (Barrhead, Edmonton, Leduc, Drayton Valley, Athabasca)
• Seeding progress for all crops (major crops) is 0 (0) per cent complete, compared to the 5-year average of 3 (3) per cent.
• Sub-surface moisture is 2 per cent poor, 38 per cent fair, 24 per cent good, 31 per cent excellent, and 6 per cent excessive.
• Conditions of fall-seeded crops are 3 per cent poor, 67 per cent fair, 30 per cent good, and 0 per cent excellent.
• Tame hay conditions are reported as 10 per cent poor, 28 per cent fair, 62 per cent good, and 0 per cent excellent.
Region Five: Peace (Fairview, Falher, Grande Prairie, Valleyview)
• Producers are waiting for snow to melt and fields to dry, with seeding reported for all crops (major crops) is 0 (0) per cent complete, compared to the 5-year average of 6 (6) per cent.
• Reported sub-surface moisture is 0 per cent poor, 1 per cent fair, 45 per cent good, 40 per cent excellent, and 14 per cent excessive.
• Conditions of tame hay are reported as 49 per cent poor, 37 per cent fair, 13 per cent good, and 1 per cent excellent
