Seeding nears completion across most of Alberta while late-May rains recharge soil moisture reserves.
After a dry start to the growing season, Alberta producers received some welcome relief as widespread rains arrived at the end of May, helping replenish soil moisture and improve growing conditions across much of the province.
According to Alberta’s latest Crop Report, provincial seeding progress reached 93 per cent by June 2, putting farmers within striking distance of the five-year average of 97 per cent. While northern regions remain behind normal due to delayed field access and slower planting conditions, most of southern and central Alberta have essentially wrapped up seeding.
Seeding Progress Accelerates
Dry weather earlier in the week allowed producers to make significant gains in planting operations before rains moved across the province.
The South and Central regions are virtually finished seeding, both reporting 99 per cent completion. The North East sits at 91 per cent, the North West at 89 per cent, while the Peace Region remains the furthest behind at 78 per cent seeded. Provincially, spring wheat is 96 per cent planted, barley 91 per cent, canola 89 per cent and dry peas nearly complete at 99 per cent.
The delayed start in northern Alberta continues to affect crop emergence rates, which remain below normal for early June.
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