Area crop ratings ‘good to excellent’ while moisture levels creep towards excessive

According to Alberta Agriculture’s July 5 Crop Report, nearly 81 per cent of farmers in the province have rated their crops as good or excellent.

That is a dramatic improvement from the five-year average of 71 per cent, and last year’s 27 per cent.

The Northeast Region, which includes Beaver County, reported that Spring Wheat, Barley, Oats, Canola, and Dry Peas together averaged 92.6 per cent ‘good to excellent,’ second-highest in the province, compared to last week’s 90 per cent, and last year’s 28.5 per cent.

Pasture and Hay ratings improved to 97 per cent rating as good or excellent and 98 per cent, respectively.

Surface moisture was rated … for more see the July 12/16 Mercury.