Spring seeding is off to a slow start in the region.
According to the latest crop report from Alberta Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Economic Development, as of May 3, 2022, the northwest region of the province is currently at zero point one per cent seeded. Last year at this time, it was at three point nine per cent seeded. The northwest region includes Yellowhead County and Woodlands County.
Officials place the blame on a damp spring, saying in the report that virtually no seeding has been done as spring rains and remaining snow cover have kept farmers off the fields.
That rain is appreciated, however, as the report says soil moisture is currently poor when compared to last year. Soil moisture is rated at 66 per cent poor to fair. Sub-surface soil moisture is rated at 87 per cent poor to fair, as the spring runoff has not penetrated to the deeper levels yet.
Perennials are also off to a slow start. Both tame hay and pasture conditions are rated at 85 per cent poor to fair, with lasting damage from last summer’s drought and heat. Winterkill is also being reported, thanks to heavy graving in 2021 coupled with the extreme cold and lower snow cover over the winter.
Province-wide, Alberta is currently at 12.2 per cent seeded, when compared to 17.4 per cent at this time last year. Southern Alberta is currently performing the best, with 36.5 per cent seeded.
Click here to see the full report.
