Canada & USA: CMTC provides update on Canadian and US barley barley harvest

Canada’s Prairies has just suffered through a week of intense heat, with scorching temperatures hovering in the mid to upper 30s°C. In some areas in southern Saskatchewan the temperature reached 40°C. This oppressive heat only served to bake the crops in sections of the west, CMBTC reported on August 15.

What little rain that fell on the Prairies was variable and limited. Certainly the areas that received rain had the opportunity for crop growth with the heads filling, but in areas that did not get rain the crops were stressed.

Due to the excessive amount of hot and dry conditions, in many regions the crop developed quickly. As a result the heads did not get properly filled and the yields suffered.

Barley harvest has commenced in southern Alberta and the early results show yields down 20% and proteins in the high teens, with some farmers reporting up to 17% protein for their barley.

Alberta

Crop ratings dropped throughout the province, especially in the southern and central sections. The excessive heat and variable rain events has adversely affected the yield potential of the crops. The north is the only area that has received some moisture and that has permitted the heads to fill. The yields should be average in this region.

• South: Calgary/Lethbridge – This area remains void of precipitation. While harvest has begun, to date there is very little information regarding the yields, except they will be lower.

It is also known, from the early harvested barley, that the test weight is 44- 46 pounds (lbs), the plump is in the high 70s, and the protein is in the mid-to-upper teens.

Needless to say the farmers are discouraged over their crop results. The hot dry weather is slated to continue for the next week, permitting harvest without any rain interruptions.

• Central: Lacombe – Last week's hot temperatures have pushed the crop rating down by over 4% this past week. The oppressive heat has stressed the crops, especially the ones that were not favored with some moisture. Harvest has just started, however we do not have any reports on the yields and quality of the barley.

Full harvest should begin next week. The forecast is for dry conditions, which will be ideal for harvesting. Yields are forecast to be 10% lower than last year.

• North: Vegreville – This region received some scattered rains and overall the barley crop remains in good condition. Harvest should commence in another week to 10 days.

The weather forecast is for mostly dry conditions this week.

Saskatchewan

Many parts of the province, especially the southwest corner, the south and west-central regions have suffered from the lack of any consistent moisture through the months of June and July.

The excessive hot temperatures of the last two months have taken their toll on the barley crop. Yields will be reduced due to the excessive heat that has persisted and stressed the crop. Basically, the barley crop is all but finished growing and harvest has begun. The forecast calls for dry conditions with moderate temperatures which are ideal for a quick harvest.

Due to the fact that the rains were variable through the growing season, we would expect the yields to be variable as well. Some areas were more fortunate than others in the amount of rains they received and that will increase their yield potential.

A farmer in the Prince Albert region reported the following from his first 500 acres of harvest: the yields were 60 bushels per acre (down from 85 bushels per acre last year); the plump was 90+, and the test weight was 52 lbs.

Manitoba

Combines have been actively harvesting the barley crop. In the Red River Valley all the barley has been harvested. Overall the crop results look favorable. Although we have not seen many samples, the results of the few samples received show the barley has good colour and test weight in the 48-to-52 lbs range. They also show a plump of 90+ and protein averaging 12.5%.

The remainder of the province should be harvesting. There are some areas that has been deprived of rains and their yields will suffer but overall the provincial yields should be average this crop year.

United States

Barley production is forecast to be 156 million bushel, which is a 10% increase over last year. Idaho, Montana and Idaho had much improved results compared to last year.

• North Dakota – Harvest is over 50% completed and the forecast of warm dry conditions will permit farmers to quickly harvest their barley crop. Protein levels vary from 10% to 14%, with the higher protein found in the six-row varieties.

• Idaho – The winter barley, which is a small crop, was less than satisfactory. The irrigated barley is been harvested and the quality, to date, appears to be good. Harvest will be spread out this year, as the seeding was done over a three week period. General harvest should begin later this week.

• Montana – Dryland harvest is progressing well with no major surprises. Yields are average with the protein in the 12% range. The irrigated barley harvest should begin later this week.

16 August, 2018