Arid conditions lead to reduction of crop quality

Recent high temperatures and dry weather have contributed to a reduction of crop quality, surface and sub-surface moisture levels in the south region and throughout the province, however producers are continuing to benefit from July’s favourable weather conditions.

The province’s most recent crop report found crop quality in the south region declined by approximately 4 per cent between Aug. 9 and July 26, with durum wheat and barley lowest rated good to excellent condition at 46.8 per cent and 47.4 per cent respectively. Potatoes and sugar beets remain highest rated at 65 per cent each.

The finding is reflected in Alberta’s overall crop quality, which dropped by 2 per cent since July 26. The only region of the province which did not experience a decline was Region 4 northwest, which includes Edmonton, Leduc, Barrhead, Drayton Valley and Athabasca.

The change is being attributed to above-average temperatures experienced throughout of the past two-weeks, and, in the south, conditions which have “dried significantly,” according to the Alberta Crop Report.

Across the province, surface and sub-surface soil moisture levels have deteriorated, with 51 per cent of soil currently rated as poor or fair, 39 per cent good, 8 per cent excellent and only 2 per cent excessive.

In the south, surface soil moisture is rated at 43 per cent poor, 43 per cent fair, 13 per cent good and 1 per cent excellent. Correspondingly, southern sub-soil levels are rated at 20 per cent poor, 57 per cent fair, 23 per cent good and 0 per cent excellent.

Despite the downward shift in crop quality and soil moisture levels, many southern producers are experiencing present gains due to the change in conditions; as “hot and dry weather has accelerated crop development.”

Harvest has begun for some producers, particularly those of fall-seeded crops, barley and dry peas. Estimates, though preliminary, anticipate higher-than average yield.

Hay producers have also benefited from the shift in conditions, as “first cut operations for both dryland and irrigated land are virtually complete.” First cut yield is slightly higherthan-average, with quality determined to be 42 per cent good or excellent for dryland hay and 64 per cent good or excellent for irrigated.

Second cut operations have begun for irrigated land only, and are estimated to be 10 per cent complete as of Aug. 9.

While the report finds current weather patterns provide a potential for slightly lowered yield, seasonal conditions remain fair at the moment.