Canada: Weather mostly dry in Canada’s barley-growing regions

The Canadian Prairies remain mostly dry in the barley growing regions. Soil moisture reserves declined sharply in Saskatchewan, while Manitoba and Alberta have better soil moisture supplies at this time, CMBTC said in their latest report in June.

Rain is definitely needed across the Prairies, as heat and dryness impact crops, especially in Saskatchewan. This province has the greatest need for moisture before irreversible damage is done. While some areas of the northwest have rain in the forecast, most of the province has little in the way of precipitation expected in the coming week and as a result can expect to start to see serious crop damage in some areas.

The long-term forecast indicates a reduction in the present dryness with more rain in late June and July, which would be ideal for crop growth, but it will be too late by then if rain does not materialize in very short order.

Alberta

Overall the crops have maintained the status quo, however additional precipitation would go a long way in moving the crop forward.

• Southern region (Strathmore, Lethbridge, Foremost): This region remains the best area to date, as it has received some moisture and this has promoted good crop development.

• Central region (Rimbey, Airdrie, Olds): Crop conditions slipped last week with the absence of rain. The good news is the region is getting some much need moisture which will help move the crop forward but more will be needed.

• Northeast region (Vermillion, Camrose, Provost): Crop is just starting to germinate in some areas. Temperatures have moderated but there is little in the way of precipitation in the forecast. Any rain would benefit the crop.

• Northwest region (Barrhead, Edmonton, Leduc): This region is not getting warm weather. Temperatures are forecast to be below 20°C for the next few days with overnight temperatures expected to be in the low single digits. On a positive note, the area is getting some rain with some more forecast for this weekend.

Saskatchewan

This area still remains void of rain. If there was rain in the province it was sporadic with no region reporting heavy rainfall. Soil moisture ratings will have dropped in all the regions. Germination is variable throughout the province. The 6-10 day forecast is for rain across much of the province, however if this doesn’t materialize, crop development will be seriously affected.

• Southwest region (Swift Current): Simply put, this region needs rain. It has had hot temperatures and no moisture, and there is little in the way of precipitation in the forecast.

• Northwest region (North Battleford/Lloydminster): This area has been hot and dry the past week with soil moisture on the decline. Temperatures have dropped of late and the area is receiving some precipitation with more in the forecast, particularly further west, which should help replenish soil moisture.

• North Central region (Melfort/Tisdale): This region was also dry through this past week and it can’t go much longer without some significant rains. There is some rain forecast later next week which will be desperately needed if it actually materializes.

• Central region (Regina/Saskatoon): Dryness is taking its toll on this region, as the hot and dry temperatures have dried out fields. There are some minor rain events projected but it will unlikely be enough to turn things around. Temperatures are forecast at more seasonal averages in coming days.

• Southeast region (Weyburn): Some rains fell in this region last week, but that moisture will be quickly evaporated by the high temperatures to hit this area this week. The forecast for most of next week is for temperatures to moderate, averaging in the low 20s, but little in the way of rain expected.

• Northeast region (Yorkton): This region has received less than 15mm (1/2-inch) of rain in the last three weeks. Crop advancement has been less than favorable due to the dryness and soil moisture is on the decline. Temperatures in the next while are expected to be in the low 20s but again very little precipitation in the forecast.

Manitoba

The province has had some rain in the last week, no large quantities, however sufficient to advance the crop.

• Eastern region (Winnipeg/Red River Valley): This area has had decent moisture to date, with some rain in the forecast this weekend and next week. This moisture would give the crop a good boast for the month of June.

• Central region (Portage la Prairie, Treherne): This area could use more moisture to advance the crop, they are forecast to have rains Saturday.

• Northwest region (Dauphin): There is rain forecast for this week which will assist in the crop moving forward.

• Southwest region (Brandon): Crop development is a little slower in this area but there is rain in the forecast for Saturday. Temperatures are set to moderate through at least the middle of next week with some additional precipitation possible.

The Lethbridge feed barley market is trading at C$285/tonne (C$6.25/bushel) and bids in Saskatchewan picked up at the farm are at C$230-240/tonne or C$5-5.25/bushel. Prices could move higher. There is very little barley remaining in the Prairies, with a projected carryover of less than one million tonnes. It’s a great time for any farm with excess barley to market their remaining supply.

09 June, 2019