Alberta’s crop report shows better numbers than five-, 10-year averages

By KENDALL KING on October 29, 2022.

The final crop report of 2022 shows Alberta producers are closing out the growing season ahead of the five- and 10-year yield averages, and in good condition for the upcoming year.

Dry and cool weather conditions starting off the season, above average rainfall and warm temperatures lasting from late spring through the summer, aided in crop development – a welcomed relief after last year’s drought.

Conditions eventually dried again in late August, though temperatures remained relatively warm through harvest.

As of Oct. 11, harvest stood at 99 per cent completion provincially, with the south region leading harvest efforts, as well as yield. This year’s harvest is significantly ahead of the 10-year average of 82.7 per cent, as well as the five-year average of 76.7 per cent.

There was some variance in crop quality with spring wheat, canola and dry peas rated above average quality, malt and feed barley rated average, while durum wheat and oats rated lower than average.

While a reduction in soil moisture near the end of the season has raised concerns for some producers, officials are confident moisture will return to acceptable levels before the start of the 2023 season.

Officials express confidence in provincial forage reserve and feed supply levels, which is estimated to be primarily adequate. In the south region, forage reserves are estimated to be 10 per cent deficit, 24 per cent shortfall, 58 per cent adequate and 8 per cent surplus; while feed supplies are estimated at 5 per cent deficit, 17 per cent shortfall, 70 per cent adequate and 8 per cent surplus.

Overall, the 2022 season is reported to have been successful, leaving the majority of producers in good standing ahead of winter and into 2023.