Alberta crop conditions rated 58% good-to-excellent, above average

The latest Alberta Crop Report from Agriculture Financial Services Corporation and the provincial government shows major crops rated 58 per cent good-to-excellent as of August 7, ahead of the five-year average of 43 per cent and close to the 10-year average of 54 per cent. Spring cereals have reached early-to-late milk development in central Alberta, though provincial spring wheat, barley and oat crops remain less advanced than their five- and 10-year averages for this time of year.

Moisture conditions vary widely across the province. The Central and South regions continue to see dry conditions and declining soil moisture, while the North West, North East and Peace regions remain affected by excess moisture and ongoing rain. Regional good-to-excellent crop ratings range from 77 per cent in the South to 38 per cent in the North West, which remains the only region below its five-year average.

Sub-surface soil moisture stands at 54 per cent good-to-excellent provincially, down six points from last week but still well above longer-term averages. Pasture growth is rated 55 per cent good-to-excellent, also above average, though several regions saw double-digit weekly declines.

Producers are advancing haying activities, with first-cut harvest nearing completion in the South, Central and Peace regions and progressing elsewhere as weather permits. Tame hay conditions dropped 12 points from last week to 57 per cent good-to-excellent provincially, still above both five- and 10-year averages.