Crop conditions improving in southern Alberta

Crop conditions have improved in both southwest Saskatchewan and southern Alberta, according to the latest provincial crop reports.

Alberta Agriculture states that hot, dry weather in the south has allowed crops to mature, but under significant stress though spotty showers prior to reporting date of August 11, helped the maturing process.

Regional pasture conditions were unchanged, however, from a week ago and are now reported as 85 per cent poor to fair.

Most crop harvesting in underway, with about half the total dry peas and winter wheat combined.

First cut hay produce on both dryland and irrigated land are virtually done with about 80 per cent of both rated as good to excellent. Preliminary averages yield is 1.0 ton per dry acre and 2.4 tons per acre on irrigated land. Second cut haying operations are underway.

Across Alberta, hay yield is about half of last year’s figure.

Provincial dryland crop yield estimates per acre are about 25 per cent lower for canola (29.6 bushels), spring wheat (34.6) and barley (50.4).

The Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture reported on August 13 that harvest in the southwest was progressing rapidly after it was delayed by rain last week.

About 12 per cent of total crop is in the bin with 88 per cent of fall rye combined, followed by 52 per cent of winter wheat, 42 per cent of field peas and 29 per cent of lentils. Work on durum fields is negligible. Rain early last week has held up some work but improved conditions.

Cropland moisture across the region is now considered 74 per cent adequate with a similar figure for hay and pasture land.

Expected hay yields there are still low: alfalfa and brome (0.7 tons per acre), other tame hay (0.6), wild hay (0.5) and greendfield (1.2).