Alberta crops see 10 percent improvement this week
According to the AFSC and Alberta Government Crop Reporting Survey, Alberta's crop conditions improved significantly this week. Major crops are now rated 59 percent good to excellent, up 10 percent from the previous week. However, this is still below the five- and ten-year averages of 73 and 71 percent.
Regionally, the Northwest and Central areas are performing best, with major crop conditions at 73 and 72 percent, respectively. Central’s rating is slightly above its 10-year average. South, Northeast, and Peace regions remain behind historical levels, with Peace notably at just 25 percent good to excellent.
Surface soil moisture has greatly improved to 65 percent good to excellent, more than doubling from last week’s 37 percent. This aligns with the 10-year average. Sub-surface moisture also rose to 50 percent province-wide, but the Peace and Northwest regions saw minor declines.
Pasture and tame hay growth conditions vary. Pasture quality is rated 41 percent good to excellent across the province. Central and Northeast saw improvements, but South, Northwest, and Peace reported declines. Tame hay conditions stand at 37 percent good to excellent, slightly lower than last week.
In the South, crops are progressing into the booting stage. Central regions also report early to mid-stem elongation for spring wheat, barley, and oats. Rainfall has supported both crop and pasture development.
However, pasture weed growth is above average in the South (8 percent) and Peace (10 percent).
For more information about weed, pest, or crop diseases, please visit the Farms.com Field Guide pages.
Photo Credit: istock-ds70