Cooler weather has moved into the province bringing precipitation and frost to most areas. Precipitation in amounts of light showers in the South to rain in the Northern regions and the Peace has slowed harvest progress. Killing frosts below minus 2 Celsius were experienced across much of the province (view map at link below). Yield and grade damage is anticipated in the northern regions as some late seeded crop may have been susceptible to damage.
Harvest progress is estimated at 56 per cent completed with a further 18 per cent in the swath compared to the 5 year average of 53 per cent combined and 25 per cent swathed. The provincial crop yield index was virtually unchanged since last report at 95.2 per cent as yield improvements in the South were offset by yield declines in the Central and Peace regions. Yield indexes in the North East and North West regions were unchanged. With better than half the crop in the bin, quality has been very good. 94 per cent of the spring wheat and 82 per cent of the durum is reported in top 2 grades.
Soil moisture ratings improved with the precipitation this week. Surface moisture rose 8 points on the week to 54 per cent good or excellent and sub soil moisture rose 3 points to 53 per cent rated good or excellent. Fall seeded crops are performing poorly at this time with only 15 per cent in the South and 29 per cent in the Central regions rated in good or excellent condition.
Pasture conditions declined to 35 per cent rated good or excellent from 38 per cent last week.
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