Alberta Crop Report - June 4, 2024

Seeding across the province is virtually complete this week. Recent widespread rains brought moisture across the province, delaying seeding of some low-lying areas; however, it was favourable overall for crop emergence. Provincially, seeding progress of all crops is at 97 per cent, which is similar to the five-year average of 97 per cent and 10-year average of 96 per cent (Table 1). Seeding progress in most regions is in line with historical averages, with the Peace Region being a notable exception. Seeding in the Peace is well ahead of the historical five-year average of 88 per cent and 10-year average of 89 per cent.  

Provincial emergence of all crops is reported at 67 per cent, in line with the five-year average of 67 per cent and 10-year average of 66 per cent. Regional crop emergence for all crops is at 72 per cent in the South, 71 per cent in the Central Region, 65 per cent in the North East, 54 per cent in the Noth West, and 63 per cent in the Peace. An extended period of warmer weather would be welcome in all areas to help promote plant development. 

Both surface and sub-surface soil moisture conditions remained reasonably stable across most areas of the province. Provincial surface moisture (sub-surface moisture) good-to-excellent ratings were reported as 75 (65) per cent, a change of -3 (-1) per cent from last week, which is above the five-year historical average of 56 (55) per cent for this week. Regional surface moisture (sub-surface moisture) conditions reported as good-to-excellent are reported as 60 (54) per cent in the South, 79 (60) per cent in the Central, 92 (77) per cent in the North East, 82 (72) per cent in the North West, and 69 (83) per cent in the Peace.