Harvest progression is on pace with the five-year average in Central Alberta.
The latest Alberta Crop Report, release on Friday and featuring conditions as of Sept. 12, shows that harvest progressed 12 per cent since the week prior.
Harvest is currently 41 per cent complete in the central region, according to the report. Prvovincially, the crop harvest progressed from 14 per cent to 44 per cent complete, which is six per cent ahead of the 5-year average.
Currently, harvest is furthest along in the South Region at 80 per cent complete, followed by the Peace and Central Region, at 44 and 41 per cent complete, respectively. The North East and North West have the least crop in the bin and are both 24 per cent complete. Provincially, 95 per cent of dry peas are combined. Most canola has been swathed and is waiting to mature, with 19 per cent combined.
Precipitation has been limited over the last week, ranging from 0 to 15 mm across the province and small areas in the North West and Central receiving between 15 and 25 mm. While the dry weather has helped harvest progress over the last month, more moisture is needed to assist fall seeded crops, the crop report states.
More desiccating has been necessary this year to manage green second growth in Central Alberta.
“While swathing has also increased due to green plants, farmers are cautious about cutting too much with the ongoing risk of showers. Green second growth could create an issue for grading,” the report said.
The west side of the central region reported having fair moisture, while the east side is described as “quite dry.” There were also reports of frost in low lying areas.
Surface soil rated good to excellent, increasing 1 per cent since the last report and now at 25 per cent. Sub-surface soil moisture rated good to excellent, decreasing 2 per cent and now rated at 27 per cent.
Farmers are waiting for some hay crops to dry to finish haying. Pasture growth conditions (tame hay in brackets) are rated as 38 (32) per cent poor, 36 (40) per cent fair, 26 (28) per cent good and 0 (0) per cent excellent.
sean.mcintosh@reddeeradvocate.com
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