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By Brian Konrad

Drought conditions a major concern for south region as spring seeding continues

May 13, 2022 | 10:42 AM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – The latest crop report from Alberta agriculture indicates that southeastern Alberta remains dry.

In the south region, which includes the areas around Strathmore, Medicine Hat, Lethbridge, and Foremost, 36.5% of crops are seeded, which is below last year’s level of 45.5% but still higher than the five year average of 27.7%.

Drought worries dominate conversations throughout the region.

Surface moisture conditions are rated “good to excellent” in 41% of areas, which is 15% less than the same time a year ago.

Soil erosion due to the wind is also a concern.

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Tame hay and pastures are also showing stress from persistent drought.

Current conditions are showing 19% good or excellent for hay, which is down from 59% a year ago.

Only 13% of tame hay and pastures are good or excellent, down from 57% at this time last year.

Still, producers in region one are ahead of the five-year average for seeding, with 36.5% of crops in the ground as of May 3rd.