An extended period of hot weather across Alberta has caused soil moisture ratings to drop, the June 28 provincial crop report says. The average daily mean temperatures for the week ending June 28 have been a once-in-50-year event for most of the province.
While favourable spring seeding conditions are helping with crop staging, the heat and little moisture is taking a toll on crop conditions, the report notes. The provincial crop condition rating declined 13 percentage points from the last full report to 68 per cent rated as good to excellent, compared to the five-year average of 76 per cent, and the 10-year average of 74 per cent.
Cereal crop development is averaging early flag leaf stage, which is in line with long-term averages for Alberta. Oilseed and pulse crops are ahead of the normal average with 66 per cent in rosette, or seven to 12 node stage, compared to the five and 10-year averages of 57 and 59 per cent respectively, the report says. Oilseed and pulse crops now flowering average 22 per cent compared to the five- and 10-year averages of 11 and 12 per cent.
The hay harvest has started with 28 per cent of dryland acres, and 46 per cent of irrigated hay now baled in Alberta, the report notes. Yields are averaging 1.2 tons per acre on dryland, slightly behind the five-year average of 1.3 tons per acre.
The report also noted crop reports will be released bi-weekly throughout July and August.
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