Crop emergence is nearly complete in Central Alberta, according to the provincial government's latest crop report.
Major crop emergence is at 97 per cent in the province's Central Region, which is above the five-year average of 91 per cent and ahead of the 10-year average of 90 per cent, states the Alberta Crop Report featuring conditions as of June 10.
Rapid completion of seeding operations across the province has been followed by a similarly rapid emergence of the 2025 crop, the report notes.
The emergence of major crops at the provincial level has reached 95 per cent, significantly ahead of the five-year average of 84 per cent and the 10-year average of 86 per cent.
"Provincial dry pea emergence and spring wheat emergence is virtually complete (100 per cent) compared to a five-year average of 92 per cent and 90 per cent, respectively," said the report.
"Barley emergence of 96 per cent is nearing completion, ahead of the five-year average of 84 per cent. For later seeded crops, the canola emergence is at 89 per cent which leads the five-year average of 78 per cent, while the oat crop emergence is at 85 per cent, ahead of the five-year average of 71 per cent."
Despite the favourable emergence rates and crop development progress, the current limited soil moisture is not supportive, particularly in advanced crops where deeper soil moisture reserves are needed. However, weather conditions in Alberta can vary rapidly and timely rainfall will be needed in several regions for crop development to continue to progress. Reports indicate that precipitation is anticipated across most of the province prior to the release of the next report.
Surface soil moisture levels across the province have continued to decrease this week due to ongoing dry and windy conditions. The provincial good-to-excellent surface moisture rating is currently 20 per cent, which remains below the five-year average of 61 per cent and the 10-year average of 61 per cent.
Sub-surface soil moisture levels have continued to decline across the province. The provincial sub-surface good-to-excellent rating is 26 per cent, positioned below the five-year average of 56 per cent and the 10-year average of 58 per cent.
At the regional level, sub-surface moisture ratings stand at 19 per cent in the South Region, compared to the five-year average of 46 per cent. The Central Region sits at 35 per cent, below the five-year average of 56 per cent. The North East Region is at 18 per cent, under the five-year average of 70 per cent. The North West Region reports 32 per cent, lower than five-year average of 49 per cent. In the Peace Region, sub-surface good-to-excellent rating sits at 36 per cent, a reduction from the five-year average of 72 per cent.
The majority of provincial pasture conditions are currently considered as “fair”. The provincial good-to-excellent pasture growth rating is 37 per cent, which is below both the five-year average of 59 per cent and the 10-year average of 57 per cent. Regionally, pasture growth ratings are reported at 33 per cent for the South Region, 41 per cent for the Central Region, 33 per cent for the North East Region, 55 per cent for the North West Region, and 22 per cent for the Peace Region.
