Crop conditions in the Lloydminster area slipped slightly last week as excess moisture continued to stall growth.
The North East region, which includes Vermilion, Camrose and Provost, is rated 59.1 per cent good to excellent as of June 23. That is down from 60 per cent the week before, according to the latest Alberta crop report.
Weekend showers pushed excessive surface soil moisture in the region to 22 per cent, up from 13 per cent the previous week.
Spring cereals in the North East are staging at an average of seven tillers. Historically, crops would be entering early stem elongation by this point in the season, the report said.
Good emergence and establishment are still being reported where drainage is adequate. Development varies depending on local rainfall, seeding dates and field conditions.
Provincewide, major crop conditions rated good to excellent rose just one per cent from the week before, reaching 69.4 per cent.
The Central region saw the biggest jump, up six per cent to 87 per cent, its highest rating in the province and above its five and 10 year averages.
The North West region posted the lowest rating in the province at 41.2 per cent, well below its five and 10 year averages of 70.7 and 73.1 per cent.
The South and Central regions also improved since last week, up two and six per cent. The North East and Peace regions saw ratings fall by one and five per cent.
Hail damage was reported in the central and eastern parts of the South region, along with the southern part of Central.
Provincial surface soil moisture is rated 75.1 per cent good to excellent, above both the five and 10 year averages.
Sub-surface moisture across the province is also running well ahead of historical norms, which officials say should help crops handle any extended heat through July.
Tame hay growth in the North East is rated 94 per cent good to excellent on a five-year average basis, among the strongest showings in the province, though producers say warmer temperatures are still needed to support further development.
Producers with questions about crop conditions or reporting can reach the Agriculture and Irrigation Statistics and Data Development Section by email at TEDA-Branch@gov.ab.ca.
Read more: Crop Report: Lloyd area seeding hits 98% as province nears finish
