Glacier FarmMedia | MarketsFarm – Despite some delays, spring planting in Alberta remained well ahead of the five-average, according to the May 23 report from the province’s agriculture department.
Seeding of major crops across Alberta reached 72 per cent complete as of May 20 compared to the average of 59 per cent. The report said recent rains and cooler temperatures hindered planting but benefitted early crop growth.
Southern Alberta continued to lead the way, with 87 per cent of the region’s crops in the ground. The central and northwest regions were second at 73 per cent, the northeast reached 64 per cent and the Peace was at 61 per cent. The five regions were ahead of their respective five-year averages.
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Durum tops crops
Among the cereals, durum was the most planted at 91 per cent, with spring wheat next at 87 per cent, barley and 72 per cent and oats at 47 per cent.
Corn planting hit 80 per cent finished.
Of the oilseeds, mustard was tops at 75 per cent seeded, with canola at 56 per cent and flax at 49 per cent.
At 90 per cent dry peas were furthest along of the pulses. Chickpeas reached 86 per cent complete and lentils were at 81 per cent.
The planting of potatoes came in at 94 per cent done.
As temperatures increase across the province, the pace of planting and the rate of growth of the crops are expected to notably increase.
Moisture levels
In terms of surface soil moisture levels, Alberta stood at 64 per cent good to excellent, five point more than the five-year average.
The central region was at 89 per cent good to excellent, followed by Peace at 60 per cent, the south and northeast at 54 per cent, with the northwest at 49 per cent.
After the rains, pastures and tame hay in Alberta were in 64 per cent good to excellent condition, 11 points above the five-year average.
By region, the central led at 84 per cent good to excellent, the northwest was at 67 per cent, the south at 55 per cent, the northeast at 51 per cent and Peace at 43 per cent.
