Moisture conditions in parts of Western Canada are headed in the wrong direction as the winter season approaches.
As shown on the map below, much of the western Prairie has been much drier than normal over the past 30 days. On the other hand, moisture has been more plentiful in the eastern half, especially southeastern Saskatchewan.
The latest Saskatchewan crop report highlights the stark difference between southeastern and southwestern portions of the province. In the southeast, cropland topsoil was rated 1% surplus, 72% adequate, 24% short and 3% very short as of Sept. 29, compared to 33% adequate, 50% short and 17% very short in the southwest.
Provincewide, cropland soil moisture was rated 1% surplus, 49% adequate, 38% short and 12% very short as of Sept. 29, compared to 59% adequate, 32% short, and 7% very short a week earlier. Last year at this time, Saskatchewan moisture conditions were rated 60% adequate, 34% short and 6% very short.
Concerns are also mounting around livestock water supplies, the Saskatchewan report said. Three percent of producers reported severe or widespread shortages, while 31% cited moderate shortages and 16% anticipate issues ahead. Nearly a quarter of respondents said they are worried about water quality, with most concerns tied to dry conditions, low dugout levels and declining quality.
In Alberta, cropland surface soil moisture was rated just 6% good to excellent in the North East region as of Sept. 30, with the Central region at 7%. The South region was at 22% good to excellent, the North West at 23%, and the Peace at 27%.
Overall, cropland surface soil moisture across Alberta was rated just 15% good to excellent as of Sept. 30, versus 40% for the five-year average and 54% for the 10-year average.
As for Manitoba, the latest provincial crop report said most of the Interlake remains dry or very dry, while optimal to wet conditions dominate in the Northwest, Southwest, Central, and parts of the Eastern region.
With the Prairie harvest advancing well and the finish line in sight, producers in the drier areas would certainly now welcome more substantial rain to boost topsoil moisture before the ground freezes for the winter.
