Alberta producers made major gains during the past week, but provincial seeding remains behind the five-year average. Dry conditions are helping fieldwork in northern regions while raising moisture concerns in the south.
Alberta producers made significant strides in the field over the past week, pushing provincial seeding progress to 74 per cent complete as warm, dry weather created ideal conditions for fieldwork.
According to the latest Alberta Crop Report, major crop seeding advanced nearly 24 percentage points from the previous week, although provincial progress remains behind the five-year average of 83 per cent for this time of year. The pace of planting varied considerably across regions, with southern Alberta leading the province while northern areas continue working to catch up.
The South Region is now 95 per cent seeded, ahead of its historical average, while Central Alberta sits at 85 per cent complete. Producers in the North East, North West and Peace regions remain behind normal pace at 68 per cent, 58 per cent and 52 per cent complete, respectively. However, all three regions recorded substantial week-over-week gains as warmer temperatures and drier field conditions improved access.
Dry peas are nearing completion across the province, with more than 90 per cent of acres seeded. Spring wheat is also well advanced at 86 per cent complete. Canola planting has reached 61 per cent, while oats remain the furthest behind at 47 per cent seeded.
While producers have made strong planting progress, crop emergence continues to lag historical averages. Provincial emergence is reported at 33 per cent, compared to the five-year average of 43 per cent. Southern Alberta remains the exception, with emergence reaching 66 per cent and exceeding normal levels thanks to favourable growing conditions.
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