(Canadian Press)

By David Opinko

Crops in Southern Alberta fairing well above five-year average

Jul 3, 2020 | 11:55 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Warm weather and healthy precipitation mean many farms in the region are doing well this year.

According to the latest Alberta Crop Report from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, crop conditions in the South, Central, and North East regions are well above average so far this season while the Peace is on par and the North West is lagging behind.

In the south region over the last five years, it is normal to see about 62.8 per cent of crops being rated “good to excellent” for this time of year. This year, the average for all crop types is 81.7 per cent.

Mixed grains, lentils, chickpeas, and potatoes are all at or above 90 per cent.

The rain in recent weeks has led to surface soil moisture ratings rising two points to 84 per cent being good or excellent.

Week-in-review: Federal Budget, water agreements and success for tourism industry

Apr 20, 2024

What's Happening in Lethbridge this weekend: April 19, 2024

Apr 19, 2024

What's Happening in Lethbridge this week: April 15, 2024

Apr 15, 2024

There are signs that peas, however, are under stress from too much moisture.

Most regions have barely started cutting hay, but in Southern Alberta, one-third of dryland acres have been cut and almost half of irrigated acres have been completed.

(AF/AFSC Crop Reporting Survey)

(AF/AFSC Crop Reporting Survey)