First crop report indicates farmers still had crops to harvest

Crop Conditions as of May 5 Alberta Agriculture were still unsettled.

Before the 2020 planting can proceed, many areas of the province have to finish harvesting the 2019 crop. As of the last Crop Report on December 3, 2019, Alberta had 10 per cent of acres left unharvested.

The South has mostly wrapped up the 2019 harvest, but as you move north in the province the amount of overwintered crop still out increases, with NW and Peace areas furthest behind. The quality of the overwintered production is quite good. Provincially, close to 70 per cent of the spring harvested cereal grains (spring wheat, barley, oats) are coming off as good quality feed. The spring harvested canola is also good quality with 84 per cent coming off as 3 Canada or better.

Provincially, seeding is slightly behind schedule with nine per cent of the 2020 crop planted. Progress is being made in the South and Central areas of Alberta: producers in the South have planted 28 per cent of their crop while the Central area has planted four per cent of the acres. As expected, planting is just starting in North East, North West and Peace areas. Fall-seeded crops in Alberta are up and looking good with ratings of 75 per cent good or excellent.

In spite of the cooler spring temperatures, tame hay and pasture growth is close to average this year. Tame hay growth is currently 48 per cent good or excellent as compared to the five-year average of 52 per cent. Pasture growth is 57 per cent good or excellent compared to the historical average of 53 per cent. Forage reserve feedback indicates that approximately 90 per cent of producers have adequate forage to get them through the next few weeks until grazing begins. Observers estimate 76 per cent of the province as having good or excellent surface soil moisture. Regional Assessments:

Region One: Southern (Strathmore, Lethbridge, Medicine Hat, Foremost)

-- Seeding progress is currently at 28 per cent complete for all crops, with sugar beets leading at 78 per cent and corn with almost 17 per cent of intended acres now seeded. Approximately four percent of seeded acres have emerged.

-- Fall-seeded crops are looking good with an estimated 79 per cent rated good or excellent. -- Surface soil moisture is rated at 55 per cent good or excellent. -- Spring hay growth is currently 74 per cent good or excellent, while pasture is 76 per cent good or excellent.

-- As of December 3, 2019, approximately two per cent of acres were left unharvested which are mostly in the bin now.

-- Spring thrashed quality is 3 Can or better for 87 per cent of canola; cereals range from 64 to 84 per cent good feed.

-- Estimated forage and feed grain reserves are over 80 per cent adequate, with up to nine per cent in surplus. Region Two: Central (Rimbey, Airdrie, Coronation, Oyen)

-- Seeding progress is currently at four per cent complete for all crops, with negligible acres emerged at this early date.

-- Fall-seeded crops are looking good with an estimated 71 per cent rated good. -- Surface soil moisture is rated at 85 per cent good or better. Both spring hay and pasture growth is currently 61 per cent good or excellent.