Alberta Crop Report - June 25, 2024

Crop conditions rated good to excellent across the province, are 2 per cent above the 5-year average and have increased 2 per cent since last week. Conditions increased in the South Region to by 2 per cent to 74 per cent good to excellent, by 2 per cent to 79 per cent good to excellent in the Central Region, by 4 per cent to 80 per cent good to excellent in the Peace Region, and by 8 per cent to 69 per cent good to excellent in the North West. Conditions decreased by 1 per cent to 69 per cent good to excellent in the North East Region. Provincially, major crops including spring wheat, barley, and oats, are right on track with the provincial average at the early stages of stem elongation. Precipitation was variable over the week with the majority of it arriving in the form of thunderstorm activity. Areas in the Peace Region received 10-50 mm while some parts of the east central Peace Region received well over 50 mm. Conditions are quite variable in areas such as the central parts of the North West Region, the western and southeastern portions of the Central Region, and throughout much of the Southern Region as they have received less than 1 mm of rain. Forecasted rains will benefit these regions.

Surface soil moisture decreased provincially this week as temperatures warmed up and days were windy across much of the province, especially in the southern half of the province. While this was good for crop development, many areas could use more rain. Provincial surface soil moisture declined 10 per cent to 66 per cent good to excellent (Table 2). Regionally, surface soil moisture conditions declined 13 per cent to 53 per cent good to excellent in the South, 20 per cent to 60 per cent good to excellent in the Central, 2 per cent to 84 per cent good to excellent in the North East, and 4 per cent to 77 per cent good to excellent in the North West. Conditions increased by 8 per cent to 81 per cent good to excellent in the Peace Region.

Sub-surface soil moisture fell provincially as well as in the North East and Central Region. Conditions were stable in the South and North West and increased in the Peace Region. While sub-surface soil moisture conditions have been quite stable across the province, they have dropped substantially in the Central Region and are now below the 5-year average (Figure 1). As plants approach their reproductive stage, water needs will increase and sub-surface soil moisture in the coming weeks will be crucial. Currently, sub-surface soil moisture conditions (5 year average) are rated as 54 (60) per cent good to excellent provincially, 51 (41) per cent good to excellent in the South Region, 29 (64) per cent good to excellent in the Central Region, 68 (74) per cent good to excellent in the North East Region, 70 (72) per cent good to excellent in the North West Region, and 85 (70) per cent good to excellent in the Peace Region.

On average, pasture and tame hay ratings are strong due to growing season rains and recent warm weather. The south west portion of the South Region is in need of moisture to aid forage growth. Pasture conditions mostly decreased around the province but by no more than 10 per cent and are still rated above their 5 and 10-year averages (Table 3). Currently, pasture condition as of last week, is rated 70 (75) per cent good to excellent provincially, 63 (68) per cent good to excellent in the South, 71 (80) per cent good to excellent in the Central Region, 78 (77) per cent good to excellent in the North East, 82 (84) per cent good to excellent in the North West and 72 (70) per cent good to excellent in the Peace. Tame hay conditions as of last week, is rated as 71 (76) per cent good to excellent provincially, 64 (69) per cent good to excellent in the South, 65 (81) per cent good to excellent in the Central Region, 73 (70) per cent good to excellent in the North East, 83 (85) per cent good to excellent in the North West, and 72 (69) per cent good to excellent in the Peace.

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

Consistent mid 20-degree days have helped crops progress and they are now ahead of the 5-year average and are entering stem elongation.
Precipitation this week ranged from 4-22 mm. Sub-surface soil moisture (5-year average) is rated 85 (70) per cent good to excellent.
Tame hay conditions (5-year average) are rated 72 (57) per cent good to excellent.

Alberta Crop Reports (2024)

Saddle Hills
Junction of Hwy 49 & Secondary Hwy 725
RR1, Spirit River AB
T0H 3G0
T. 780-864-3760
Fax 780-864-3904
Toll-free 1-888-864-3760
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