Province forecasts only 19.7 per cent of Alberta crops are in 'good' to 'excellent' condition
The latest spell of warm weather in Alberta continues to deteriorate agricultural conditions in the province as the latest crop report forecasts only 19.7 per cent of crops in good to excellent condition.
Released on Tuesday, the province’s crop report painted a bleak picture for agricultural producers in Alberta as warm weather coupled with a lack of precipitation continues to damage annual and perennial harvests.
The crop rating represents a 17 point drop in the last two weeks and is more than 50 points below the five and ten year average scores, the province said.
“The forecasted high temperatures for the upcoming week are expected to impact these ratings further,” the report said.
According to the provincial crop report, the central region – encompassing areas around Coronation, Oyen, Rimbey, and Airdrie – experienced the most significant crop reductions.
- Official drought or not, Alberta farmers experiencing toughest summer in years
- 'We need rain': Alberta farmers hopeful for precipitation to save crops
- 'The crops just stopped growing': Southern Alberta farmers say this could be worst season in 20 years
Of the crops that are able to be harvested, reported yields are “well below normal,” the crop forecast said. First-cut hay has a five-year average of 1.5 tons per acre. This year yields are around one ton per acre.
More than half of all pasture acres are rated as poor, the province said.
Last year the provincial government’s crop forecast rated 77.5 per cent of all crops as in good to excellent condition at the end of July.
Some of the hardest hit crops, as compared to last year, include chickpeas, dry peas, spring wheat, and durum wheat.
Several counties and municipal districts across the province have already declared agricultural disasters, with some saying this year’s stunted growing season and deteriorated soil conditions creating future impacts.
- 'Devastating blow': Northwest Alberta municipal district declares agricultural disaster
- Alta. county that flooded 2 years ago now declaring ag emergency over drought-like conditions
The province releases crop reporting bi-weekly during July and August.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW From yearning for a change to cost of living, why some Canadians have left or may leave the country
For some immigrants, their dreams of permanently settling in Canada have taken an unexpected twist.
NEW Capital gains tax change 'shortsighted' and 'sows division' business groups tell Freeland
Forging ahead with increasing Canada's capital gains inclusion rate 'sows division,' and is a 'shortsighted' way to improve the deficit, business groups are warning Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
Minister said 'hundreds' of Canadians might use Gaza visa. More than 7,500 applied.
An immigration lawyer in Toronto says new figures from the federal government show just how 'grudging' Ottawa's efforts have been to rescue Canadians' family members from the war in the Gaza Strip.
Police handcuff man trying to enter Drake's Toronto mansion
Toronto police say a man was taken into custody outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion Wednesday afternoon after he tried to gain access to the residence.
Canucks claw out 5-4 comeback win over Oilers in Game 1
Dakota Joshua had a goal and two assists and the Vancouver Canucks scored three third-period goals to claw out a 5-4 comeback victory over the Edmonton Oilers in Game 1 of their second-round playoff series Wednesday.
U.S. presidential candidate RFK Jr. had a brain worm, has recovered, campaign says
Independent U.S. presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. had a parasite in his brain more than a decade ago, but has fully recovered, his campaign said, after the New York Times reported about the ailment.
What is whooping cough and should Canadians be concerned as Europe declares outbreak?
There is currently a whooping cough epidemic in Europe, with 10 times as many cases compared to the previous two years. While an outbreak has not been declared nationwide in Canada, whooping cough is regularly detected in the country.
Florida deputies who fatally shot U.S. airman burst into wrong apartment, attorney says
Deputies responding to a disturbance call at a Florida apartment complex burst into the wrong unit and fatally shot a Black U.S. Air Force airman who was home alone when they saw he was armed with a gun, an attorney for the man's family said Wednesday.