Alberta Crop Report - July 9, 2024

Major spring cereals continue to develop at a rate near historical averages. On average, spring wheat is reported as at the early stages of head emergence, barley is at the late stages of booting (i.e. head development within the stem), and oats are at the early stages of booting.  

Limited precipitation over the last week combined with warm air temperatures have led to a weekly decrease in surface moisture across all regions of the province. Provincial surface soil moisture good-to-excellent ratings (Table 2) are reported as 66 per cent, above the 5-year average of 60 per cent and the 10-year average of 61 per cent. Regional surface soil moisture good-to-excellent ratings (change from last week) are reported at 62 (-7) per cent in the South Region, 58 (-15) per cent for the Central Region, 76 (-6) per cent for the North East Region, 70 (-7) per cent for the North West Region, and 84 (-5) per cent for the Peace Region (Figure 1). 

Sub-surface soil moisture ratings over the last week have also declined across the province. Provincial sub-surface moisture good-to-excellent ratings were reported as 54 per cent, which is below the 5-year average of 55 per cent and the 10-year average of 58 per cent. Regional sub-surface soil moisture good-to-excellent ratings (change from last week) are reported as 55 (-10) per cent in the South Region, 29 (-17) per cent for the Central Region, 65 (-1) per cent for the North East Region, 67 (-1) per cent for the North West Region, and 87 (-4) per cent for the Peace Region (Figure 1).

Warm temperatures have led to minimal pasture growth over the past week with only the Peace Region reporting an improvement in conditions. Provincial good-to-excellent pasture growth conditions (Table 3) are 67 per cent, a 7 per cent decrease over last week while still ahead of the 5-year average of 52 per cent and 10-year average of 56 per cent. Regional pasture good-to-excellent growth conditions are reported as 65 (0) per cent for the South Region, 59 (-18) per cent for the Central Region, 77 (-3) per cent for the North East Region, 80 (-3) per cent for the North West Region, and 75 (+2) per cent for the Peace Region (Figure 1). 

Tame hay growth conditions have also slowed under the recent heat with a provincial good-to-excellent rating of 66 per cent which, while 8 per cent lower than last week, is still higher than the 5-year average of 57 per cent for this week. Tame hay growth conditions have also slowed under the recent heat with a provincial good-to-excellent rating of 66 per cent which, while 8 per cent lower than last week, is still higher than the 5-year average of 57 per cent for this week. Regional tame hay good-to excellent growth conditions are reported as 64 (+1) per cent for the South Region, 46 (-29) per cent for the Central Region, 73 (-2) per cent for the North East Region, 83 (-1) per cent for the North West Region, and 74 (+2) per cent for the Peace Region (Figure 1). 

Region Five Assessment:  (Fairview, Falher, Grande Prairie, Valleyview)

• Spring wheat, barley, and oats are mostly reported to be in the late stages of booting.  
• Good to excellent ratings for major crops are reported at 74 per cent, with current ratings of 5 per cent poor, 21 per cent fair, 61 per cent good, and 13 per cent excellent.
• Hay operation is well underway, and warmer temperatures are perfect for haying. Tame hay conditions are reported as 4 per cent poor, 21 per cent fair, 63 per cent good, and 12 per cent excellent.