Central Alberta farmers are seeing higher-than-average yield expectations this year, according to the latest Alberta Crop Report.
As of July 26 report, which was released this past Friday, yield expectations for the central region are 116 per cent of the 10-year average.
This was the first crop report of the season that included submitted yield expectations. On average, across the province, major crops are rated as 74 per cent good to excellent growing conditions, with yield expectations of 110 per cent of the 10-year provincial average.
“All regions of the province are reporting yield estimates relatively consistent with, or ahead of, long term normal,” said the report.
In the central region, first-cut dryland hay is yielding 1.5 tons/acre. Pastures are rated at 76 per cent good or excellent. Surface soil moisture conditions (sub-surface shown in brackets) are rated as three (eight) per cent poor, 14 (18) per cent fair, 61 (56) per cent good, and 14 (14) per cent excellent, with seven (four) per cent excessive.
Continued precipitation and heat across the region, with localized hail damage, was reported as well.
Year-over-year, June rainfalls made a significant difference across much of Alberta. At this time last year, only 20 per cent of all crops were rated as good or excellent and yield expectations were only 60 per cent of the 10- year average.
Plant development for most crops is right in line with long-term averages. Province-wide, spring cereals are rated at 70 on the Zadok growth scale and right on track with the 71 10-year average. Podding of pulses is modestly behind long-term normal with dry peas at 74 per cent podding compared to 82 per cent on a 10-year average.
The notable exception in crop development is canola. The provincial canola crop is at only 28 per cent podding compared to the 10-year average of 56 per cent for this time in the season. Comparing to other oilseed growth, mustard is 76 per cent podding, relatively normal for its 10-year average of 80 per cent.
Crop reporters are referencing a widely variable canola crop in quality and some are reporting field-specific lack of pod formation. Crop reporters will continue monitoring and reporting on canola pod formation and even in the last two weeks are anecdotally commenting on the recent growth and resiliency of canola, albeit still highly variable and inconsistent.
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