Crop conditions in northeast Alberta, including the Lloydminster area, fell to 47.6 per cent good to excellent this week, down from 51.6 per cent last week.

The region now sits below both its five and 10 year averages of 51.7 and 65.9 per cent, according to the latest Alberta Crop Report.

Provincially, major crop conditions dipped slightly to 62.9 per cent good to excellent, down one per cent from last week. That figure still sits above the province’s five and 10 year averages of 46.7 and 58.7 per cent.

The South Region led the province at 85 per cent good to excellent, followed by Central at 80.6 per cent. The North West Region posted the lowest rating at 30.7 per cent.

Heat advanced crop growth in the northeast this week, but soil moisture turned saturated again after weekend storms, according to the report. Surface soil moisture rated excessive held steady at 18.4 per cent in the region.

Plants continue to show signs of moisture stress in areas with excess water. Disease pressure remains a concern where soil stays wet.

Spring wheat in the northeast is rated 56 per cent good to excellent. Barley sits at 45.8 per cent and canola at 40.5 per cent.

Haying continues to run behind historical timelines as producers struggle to cut and dry hay between rain showers. Tame hay in the region is still rated 89 per cent good to excellent.

Pasture growth conditions in the northeast are rated, on a five-year average basis, at 1 per cent poor, 9 per cent fair, 64 per cent good and 26 per cent excellent.

Provincially, pasture conditions dropped 3 per cent since last week to 76 per cent good to excellent, well above the five and 10 year averages of 38 and 47 per cent.

Producers with questions can reach Alberta’s Agriculture and Irrigation Statistics and Data Development Section by email at TEDA-Branch@gov.ab.ca.