Regional farmers get the jump on seeding
By Medicine Hat News on May 11, 2019.
Farmers in southern Alberta rocketed out of the gate this spring and report that seeding is nearly halfway complete in the region, according to the first Alberta crop report of the season. As of May 7, major crops of spring and durum wheat were 45 and 69 per cent in the ground, while planting acres of chickpeas, lentils and dry peas was virtually complete. Canola sat at 19 per cent. The rate is nearly double the five-year average for progress at this point and stands as a reversal of fortune from the early May 2018 when seeding had barely begun at this point. Across the province, seeding was slightly ahead of last year, but has occurred in “fits and starts” due to wet and cool weather. In region one, comprising Medicine Hat, Lethbridge and Strathmore, fall-planted crops are considered 81 per cent good to excellent condition. Subsoil moisture is estimated at just 44 per cent good at this point after a dry 2018. That has delayed the emergence of hay and pasture. In southwestern Saskatchewan nearly one-quarter of crops are planted, that province’s crop report states. As of May 6, producers in Maple-Creek region south of Highway 1 were 21 per cent completed planting with wheat, durum and pea acres leading the way. Northern areas near the Alberta boundary and near leader sat at 17 per cent, ahead to the regional rate of 11 per cent that sits at less than half the five-year average for progress at this point of the spring. Delays are attributed to cool weather and snowfall at the beginning of the month. Moisture ratings for crops and hayland rate about two-thirds adequate and one-third short. Cool weather has delayed pasture, but moisture is expected to improve condition. 12-11
