Early provincial yield estimates have drylands crop yields falling below the five and 10-year averages, the July 25 Alberta crop report said. This estimate has the provincial dryland five-year yield index at 85 for all crops and for major crops indicating the current crop yield estimate is 15 per cent below the normal five-year yield average.
Irrigated yields are looking much better with estimates near or above the five and 10-year averages. The report noted this has the provincial irrigated five-year yield index at 108 for all crops and 99 for major crops indicating yields are eight per cent above normal for all crops and one per cent below normal for major crops.
Recent heat across the province has led to continued crop progression where moisture is available, and increased crop stress where moisture remains low, the report said. Significant rainfall has occurred in the northern regions of the province over the past 30 days, with reports from the north east and north west regions indicating damage to crops in low field areas due to excessive moisture and areas of crop lodging due to high winds.
“Notable areas that report a need for more moisture to allow crops to finish are the south and central regions, as reports include growing concerns of crop stress in the south due to ongoing dryness. Areas in the north east and Peace regions are also reporting continuing dry conditions,” the report said.
There have been improvements in good to excellent crop ratings in the central and north west regions, with decreased ratings in the south, north east, and Peace regions, the report noted. Conditions for all crops are rated highest in the north east and Peace regions at 57 and 56 per cent respectively, and lowest in the south region at 29 per cent. Provincially, the proportion of crops rated good to excellent is 43 per cent for all crops and 44 per cent for major crops.
Provincial spring cereal staging is reported as ranging between late flowering to early dough development, with the majority of the crop at various stages of milk development. Crop progress for spring cereals continues to be ahead of both the five-year and 10-year averages for this week, the report said. Broad leaf crop progress is also continuing ahead of five and 10-year averages with most regions reporting that the majority of crops across the province are now podding.
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