June rainfall has approved soil moisture conditions in much of Central Alberta, according to the latest provincial crop report.
The Alberta Crop Report, highlighting conditions as of June 30, states surface and sub-surface moisture ratings improved this week in the Central Region.
"The Central Region reports the highest surface moisture rating at 82 per cent, which is above its five-year average of 66 per cent," the report states.
"As crops continue progressing through reproductive stages, timely precipitation remains important to support grain development."
Provincial surface moisture now stands at 57 per cent good to excellent, a decrease of eight per cent from last week and remaining below the five-year average of 63 per cent.
Provincial ratings for the conditions of all crops remains stable, with 61 per cent of all crops rated as good to excellent. Although this week’s rating is eight per cent below the five-year average and six per cent below the 10-year average, this week’s rating is an 11 per cent improvement since June 17.
Regionally, the North West Region leads with 78 per cent of crops in good to excellent condition, followed by the Central Region at 72 per cent, the North East at 67 per cent, and the South at 61 per cent. The Peace Region reports significantly lower ratings, with only 23 per cent of crops rated good to excellent.
"Despite regional variability, most areas continue to contribute to this week’s overall improvement in crop conditions."
Provincially, spring cereal crops are progressing through growth stages ahead of both the five-year and 10-year averages, with all regions reporting development surpassing both the five- and 10-year benchmarks. All areas have reached the booting stage, with the exception of the South Region.
Several broadleaf crops throughout the province have progressed to flowering ahead of the five-year and 10-year averages. The per cent of crop flowering (10-year average) is 42 (12) per cent of canola, 53 (22) per cent of dry peas, 58 (31) per cent of lentils, 35 (33) per cent of chickpeas, and 42 (30) per cent of mustard. Additionally, 48 per cent of provincial canola is in the rosette stage and 43 per cent of provincial dry peas are in the seven to 12 node stage.
Tame hay crop ratings have remained stable throughout much of the province, with first-cut hay operations now underway in all regions. Provincially, the percentage of tame hay rated good to excellent has increased from 37 per cent to 42 per cent over the past week. Currently, 19 per cent of first-cut dryland hay has been baled, ahead of the 5-year average of 15 per cent.
The estimated dryland hay yield is 1.3 tons per acre, slightly below the five-year average of 1.4 tons per acre, with quality rated at 54 per cent good to excellent (compared to the five-year average of 70 per cent). For irrigated hay, first-cut progress is at 52 per cent, well ahead of the 5-year average of 35 per cent. Yield is estimated at 2.5 tons per acre, above the five-year average of 2.3 tons per acre, with quality rated at 82 per cent good to excellent, compared to the five-year average of 72 per cent.
"Pasture conditions remain variable across the province, supported by seasonal rainfall and warm weather," the report states.
Currently, provincial pasture conditions are rated at 48 per cent good to excellent, up from 41 per cent from last week. Regionally, pastures rated good to excellent (compared to last week’s ratings) are as follows: South at 40 per cent (up from 33 per cent), Central at 66 per cent (up from 53 per cent), North East at 37 per cent (up from 33 per cent), North West at 58 per cent (unchanged), and Peace at 21 per cent (down from 22 per cent).
"All regions remain below the 5-year average for pastures rated good to excellent."
