Canada: CMBTC posts barley crop progress update

The warm weather has substantially benefitted the seeding progress in the Prairies this past week, CMBTC reported on May 22.

For the most part, farmers were able to seed without any rain or other weather related interruptions. There was an overnight freeze in large parts of the northern Saskatchewan, as well as east-central and southern Alberta this past weekend. Although the impact was somewhat limited, it is still too early to assess the damage but most farmers seem optimistic there was little damage done to their crops. Earlier this week, night-time lows in certain areas of central Alberta registered 0°C, not conducive for plant growth. The area that covers east of Edmonton to Lloydminster and southeast to North Battleford and Regina is 90% seeded as of this week. This area will need rain in the next two weeks as it was moisture deprived last year and it is still dry.

ALBERTA

South (Strathmore, Lethbridge, Foremost): This is the most advanced region of the province, having received some beneficial rains this week which added to the crop potential. This past weekend this region received 30 mm (1 inch +) of rain and there is more in the forecast for later this week. The barley crop is already at the 2-3 leaf stage.

Central (Rimbey, Airdrie, Olds): Crop seeding should be at 90% for barley in this area and the recent heat and moisture has benefitted the seeded crop prospects. The area south of Olds has good subsoil moisture and is not in urgent need of rain. The area north of Olds has limited subsoil moisture and will require rain within the next two weeks, otherwise there will be germination issues. There is rain in the forecast for later in the week.

Northeast (Vermillion, Camrose, Provost): Seeding is close to 45% complete and moisture is needed to stimulate germination. There is rain in the forecast for this Friday.

Northwest (Barrhead, Edmonton, Leduc): Seeding is close to 40% complete with little emergence at this time. There is rain in the forecast for this Friday.

SASKATCHEWAN

Even though temperatures have been struggling to reach normal and the overnight lows have dipped to zero or below, farmers have been moving quickly on seeding.

Southwest (Swift Current): This area is 100% seeded and it has been very cold and windy. However, it was very dry this past year and will require rain sooner than later.

Northwest (Saskatoon/Lloydminster): Seeding is progressing quickly with over 80% of the barley crops seeded. Warm, dry weather is in the forecast for most of the week with the potential of rain late in the week. The area experienced extreme dryness this past year so an early rain would certainly be of benefit.

East Central (Melfort): This region suffered some frost this past weekend and some barley would have been impacted. However, we expect the warmer temperatures forecast for this week will allow affected barley to recover. Barley seeding should be 60%-65% completed this week but the area will require some rain in the next few weeks.

Southeast (Weyburn): Although not a large barley region, seeding is complete. Good rains are in the forecast for the latter part of the week, which would give the crop a good start.

Northeast (Yorkton): Seeding is advancing quickly with a number of barley farmers having completed seeding. It looks like more Synergy acres have been seeded in this region compared to last year. There is decent sub-soil moisture to get the crop germinating, and there is rain in the forecast for later in the week.

MANITOBA

Eastern (Winnipeg south): Barley seeding is mostly complete and the crop is looking good in the Red River Valley. They have suffered through some cold overnight temperatures, however there is reportedly no damage to the crops or re-seeding required. Crop emergence is good so far. The area has had some rain and more is in the forecast for this weekend.

Southwest (Brandon): Seeding is advancing quickly. However, this part of the province has only received 7 mm of rain this month (normal rainfall for this area is normally 50- 75 mm). The area will require rain by month-end to get their crops properly germinating.

Northwest (Dauphin): This region is 50% seeded and should have another good week of seeding.

23 May, 2019