Crop conditions in northeast Alberta, including the Lloydminster area, held at 47.3 per cent good to excellent this week, essentially unchanged from 47.6 per cent last week.
The region remains below its five-year average of 56 per cent, continuing a trend flagged in last week’s report.
Excess moisture continues to impact crops in the northeast, according to the Alberta Crop Report. Haying has begun progressing in the region, but only when weather allows.
Spring cereal development ranges from early to late flowering. Fall cereals are in early dough development. Fifty-nine per cent of canola is flowering and 66 per cent of pea crops are podding.
Sub-surface moisture in the region is rated 43 per cent excellent and 13 per cent excessive, among the wettest ratings in the province. Tame hay conditions are rated 23 per cent excellent and 63 per cent good, with no poor ratings reported.
Provincially, hot and dry weather dominated the rest of Alberta through the latter half of July. All crops are rated 62.3 per cent good to excellent, near the 10-year average.
The South Region led the province at 78.9 per cent, followed by Central at 76 per cent. The North West Region posted the lowest rating at 36.8 per cent, also below its historical average.
Provincial surface soil moisture dropped 14 per cent from last week to 54 per cent good to excellent, as hot temperatures and limited rain drew down reserves in the south and central regions.
Pest pressure is building provincewide, with moderate gopher damage reported on 7 per cent of acres, lygus bugs on 5 per cent and diamondback moths on 4 per cent.
Dryland major crop yields are expected to come in 20.4 per cent above the five-year average provincially, though estimates remain subject to change with variable moisture conditions.
Read more: Excess moisture keeps stressing northeast Alberta crops
