Good news for many Alberta farmers: crop and soil moisture conditions have taken a turn for the better across most of the province, thanks to much-needed rain in recent weeks. The latest provincial report shows a 10-point bump in major crop ratings, with 59% now falling into the “good to excellent” category.
That’s a welcome improvement — but still well short of the five- and ten-year benchmarks (73% and 71%, respectively). And in the Peace Region, the story is more grim: crop ratings there dropped another 2% this week, sitting at just 25% good to excellent.
Region by Region: Where the Crops Stand
- South: Crop conditions improved to 55% good to excellent, up 7% from last week. Spring wheat and barley are already in the booting stage. Rain has helped pastures green up, but overall growth is slow, and pasture ratings remain low at 33%.
- Central: This region saw the biggest jump — crop conditions rose by 20% to 72%, buoyed by rainfall of up to three inches. Pastures improved to 53% good to excellent. Haying is underway in some areas, though cool, wet weather has slowed progress.
- North East: Crop ratings climbed to 65%, but pasture (33%) and tame hay (28%) are still well below normal. Despite better surface moisture, sub-surface moisture remains limited, restricting regrowth.
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