Canada: Crop prospects improve thanks to rain last week

The Canadian prairies received some desperately needed rain last week. The heaviest amounts were in the east, but much of the western drought zone seems to have received normal to above normal rainfall. For many regions in the prairies, this rainfall was critical. However, there were notable shortfalls around Saskatoon and Regina, which both registered virtually no rain last week (it is of note that Regina and surrounding areas did start to receive rain this week), CMBTC reported on June 21.

Crop prospects have been elevated in a number of regions with these rains. Crops were struggling before this rain and while it is a reprieve, more moisture will be needed to ensure the crop does not return to stressful conditions. This rain has also not eliminated the dry/drought situation, especially in a few regions, but the topsoil moisture has been restored and gives the crop a chance with some short-term relief.

Beyond the drought conditions, the other factor that has been a constant in the prairies this year has been the below normal temperatures which have resulted in a slower crop development, although the cool conditions may also have helped maintain crop quality in the dry conditions.

Alberta

There were some decent rains in the province, mostly in the central and northern regions. More rains are forecast for later this week and into the weekend. The province needs more heat to move the crop growth forward, as all the regions have been experiencing less than normal temperatures for this time of year.

• Southern region: (Lethbridge, Strathmore, Foremost): This region did not receive any rains this past week, but they are forecast to get rain throughout the week which is exactly what the crops need to get though the end of June. Moisture conditions are rated 55% (good to excellent) and good rains will elevate these crop conditions. The Vulcan area has not received any rains in the last 30 days and has only had 40 mm (1½- inch) of rain since the crop was seeded in mid April. There are rains forecast for the region but they may be too late to help the crop.

• Central region (Rimbey, Airdrie, Olds): This region has had a little more rain and the crop conditions are rated over 60% (good to excellent). Additional rains are forecast for the entire week through the weekend, which is good news if it happens. But what this region truly needs is some heat. The temperatures have been below normal, varying between a high of 19°C for this past Tuesday and a low of 9°C for this past Thursday. These are certainly not normal temperatures, which is causing delays in normal crop growth.

• Northwest region (Edmonton, Barrhead, Leduc): This region had more rains this past week and are forecast to have a rainy week. The crop rating is over 80% (good to excellent). Crop growth has been a little slower due to the below normal temperatures.

• Northeast region (Camrose, Vermillion, Provost): This region is progressing well with the good moisture it has received in the past two weeks. More rain is forecast for this week. Crop ratings are over 75% (good to excellent).

• Peace River region (Grande Prairie, Fairview): This area has had some rains but there is more in the forecast for the entire week. Top soil moisture is getting replenished.

Saskatchewan

The rain events that were forecast for this province came to fruition. Many dry areas finally received rain and for some, the moisture was just in time. It also looks like they will require more in two weeks’ time. For Saskatoon and Regina, which received only a trace of moisture, the rains forecast for this week could be too late. There are a number of areas where germination has been poor and, even with rain now, the crop will likely still only be average to below average.

• Southwest region (Swift Current, Maple Creek): This region did get about 15 mm of much needed moisture, which will stabilize the crop growth. However, it will need more rain within two weeks to maintain the crop. Rain events are forecast for the entire week.

• Southeast region (Regina, Weyburn, Moosomin): Unfortunately the rains mostly skipped this region, as it received less than 5 mm of moisture. Unless the area gets the rains forecast for this week, the crop prospects for this region will be abysmal.

• Northwest region (North Battleford, Lloydminster): The rainfall ranged from 7.4 mm in North Battleford to 35.8 mm in Lloydminster, which still leaves the North Battleford area short. There are rain events forecast for this week, which would be a great relief for a large part of this region.

• Northeast region (Melfort, Tisdale, Prince Albert): This region had been deprived but it finally received 15 mm to 30 mm of rain. There is also more in the forecast for this week, which would add to the top soil reserves.

• West Central region (Saskatoon, Rosetown, Kindersley): This region remains desperately short of moisture, as it received only 0-15 mm of rain this past weekend. Rains are forecast for this week and they have to materialize for the crop to have a chance.

• East Central region (Yorkton, Kamsack): This past weekend the region welcomed the 25-50 mm of rain it received. Hopefully it didn’t come too late to salvage the crop, which has been suffering from the lack of moisture. More rain is forecast for this week.

Manitoba

The province had a good week for rain, receiving 15-25 mm of moisture, which benefitted all regions. There are more rain events forecast for the entire province this week. If these rains materialize, the next thing that will be needed to advance crops is temperatures in the mid 20s. Temperatures have been below normal all growing season to date.

• Southwest region (Brandon): Crop conditions are improving in this area. The topsoil moisture has improved with the recent rains.

• Central region (Dauphin): Crop conditions are rated good and there is additional moisture forecast for this region.

• Southern region (Winnipeg): This region has certainly benefitted from the 15-25 mm of rain it received. More rain is forecast this week.

20 June, 2019