Seeding for all crops in Central Alberta is 72 per cent complete, ahead of the five-year average of 63 per cent.
The provincial government released the latest issue of the Alberta Crop Report on Friday, May 23, which features conditions as of Tuesday, May 20.
Regionally, the Alberta's South region is furthest ahead at 87 per cent seeded, followed by the Central, North West, and North East. Among major crops provincially, dry peas and spring wheat lead at 90 and 87 per cent, respectively, while oat is at 47 per cent.
"Crop emergence is progressing well, with 32 per cent of all crops emerged, well above the five-year average of 16 per cent," states the crop report.
"Emergence is furthest ahead in the South and Central regions among major crops, with over 45 per cent of spring wheat and peas having emerged. Barley is at 47 per cent in the South, while other regions, including the North East, North West and Peace, are below 20 per cent. Canola and oats remain under 30 per cent in all regions."
Fall-seeded crops are in good condition, with 70 per cent rated good to excellent provincially, the report highlights.
"As temperatures rise, farmers expect to make good progress and wrap up seeding by the end of May if weather conditions permit."
Scattered precipitation across the province has improved soil moisture in many areas. Some parts of the Central region reported up to three inches of rain this week, which has enhanced surface soil moisture. The region's surface (sub-surface) moisture rated 89 (76) per cent good to excellent.
While surface moisture conditions have improved across all regions, sub-surface soil moisture has also shown increases in most areas, suggesting that recent rainfall is starting to penetrate deeper into the soil.
"Following a slow start to the growing season due to dry conditions, recent precipitation has improved pastures and tame hay growth conditions across much of the province. Compared to early May, when many fields were off to a slow start, conditions have steadily improved."
In the Central region, pasture (tame hay) condition is reported two (two) per cent poor, 14 (14) fair, 75 (71) per cent good, and ning (13) per cent excellent. Additionally, fall-seeded crops are rated 1 per cent poor, 4 per cent fair, 74 per cent good and 22 per cent excellent.
