Spring planting in Alberta has almost wrapped up for this year, with the agriculture ministry pegging it at 97 per cent complete province-wide as of June 4. Seeding advanced 20 points on the week with the pace at the five-year average.
The greatest overall progress was made in northeastern, northwestern and central Alberta. The northeast advanced 24 points at 95 per cent finished, with the northwest progressing 23 points to also 95 per cent done. The central region added 22 points at 98 per cent finished. Seeding in the south was up 14 points at 98 per cent complete and Peace River progressed 12 points at 98 per cent over.
Read Also
Dryness poised to threaten Saskatchewan crops
Crops in Saskatchewan are developing in opposite directions, the province’s latest crop report said. Growing conditions in the province vary, with some areas receiving enough rain while other locations are experiencing crop stress due to hot, dry conditions.
In terms of planting specific crops, Alberta’s potatoes reached 100 per cent done, while dry peas, chickpeas and corn were a pinch short of being finished. Next was the durum at just over 98 per cent complete, with the province’s flax at 98 per cent. Lentils reached 97 per cent planted, with canola at 96 per cent, while barley and mustard were at 94 per cent.
The department placed crop emergence at 67 per cent, which was on par with the five-year average. By region the south was at 72 per cent emerged, with central at 71 per cent, the northeast at 65 percent, Peace River at 63 per cent and the northwest at 54 per cent.
Pasture growth continued to improve with Alberta at 73 per cent good to excellent. The northwest rated 86 per cent, including the best excellent estimate by far at 28 per cent. The central reached 84 per cent, the northeast at 76 per cent, south was at 63 per cent, and Peace River lagged at 45 per cent.
Overall surface soil moisture was 75 per cent good to excellent with nearly two per cent excessive. The five-year average stood at 56 per cent G-E with one per cent excessive.
The ratings were led by the northeast at 92 per cent good to excellent plus two per cent excessive. The northwest was next at 82 per cent G-E with nine per cent excessive, followed by the central region at 79 per cent G-E with no excessive, Peace River at 69 per cent with almost one per cent excessive, and the south at 60 per cent with a small amount excessive.
