Category: Members Market Updates

MALTING BARLEY SEEDING CONSIDERATIONS FOR 2021

23/02/2021

Canada’s barley breeders have developed a promising suite of new malting barley varieties such as CDC Bow, AAC Connect and CDC Fraser each with excellent agronomics and disease resistance that are poised to succeed established varieties AC Metcalfe, CDC Copeland and AAC Synergy.  They have very desirable malting and brewing characteristics, reinforcing Canada’s position as a supplier of premium quality barley and malt, and increasingly these new varieties are being accepted by domestic and international maltsters and brewers.

YIELDS

New Canadian malting barley varieties have significant yield improvements over their processors. The provincial seed guides indicate yields among the new varieties are approaching the most widely grown feed barley variety CDC Austenson. 

LODGING

In many environments, new Canadian malting barley varieties have improved standability with good to very good lodging resistance compared with older varieties.  As a result farmers may be able to boost fertilization rates.

Note: In environments where conditions combined with agronomic management (high rates of nitrogen fertilizer) are favorable for lodging, new cultivars may still lodge. 

PROTEIN

Over the years, farmers have been told that to be selected, protein levels in malt barley should be kept low. But in today’s market, partly due to growing exports, higher protein levels are often acceptable. The North American malting and brewing industry is generally looking for protein between 10.5-12.5%, while off-shore markets like China are looking for higher protein levels ranging from 11.0-13.0%. If producers are growing malting barley without a contract, it is likely to go to for export where demand is for higher protein.

As a result, if a farmer typically has lower protein levels in malt barley, they may be able to boost yield with added nitrogen without pushing protein levels beyond the selectable range. And as new varieties tend to have protein content 0.5-1.0% lower than AC Metcalfe, they may be able to handle additional nitrogen application without exceeding acceptable protein levels for malt.

Note: Producers should talk with an agronomist to ensure appropriate fertilizer rates to avoid lodging and meet target quality parameters such as protein.

Benefits to Farmers

New Canadian malting barley varieties offer important agronomic benefits to producers and are increasingly accepted by domestic and international maltsters and brewers. By choosing to grow a malting barley variety, producers ensure they have access to an additional 2.5 million tonne market place which generally offers a premium of $0.50-1.00 per bushel over feed barley.

Sources of Information

To find the most up-to-date information for each variety, refer to your province’s seed guide to find data and seed distributors. Variety selection should consider yield, agronomic and disease indicators that align with farm-specific needs.

• Saskatchewan Seed Guide
• Alberta Seed Guide
• Manitoba Seed Guide

See also the CMBTC’s recommended list for the list of barley varieties that have the greatest potential to be selected for malting.

Note: Producers should talk to their local maltster, grain buyer, seed grower, or contact your provincial grower association or the CMBTC, to discuss which varieties are most suitable to grow in your region.

The CMBTC recommends that producers have a contract when growing malting barley, particularly newer varieties.

Crop Protection Products

Farmers should refer to the Keep it Clean campaign regarding acceptable crop protection products for malting barley. Pre-harvest desiccants and glyphosate are not accepted by the malting industry. Newly registered plant growth regulators in Canada may be accepted by some end-users, but farmers should check with their grain buyer before using these products.

Harvest Progress Update

21/10/2020

2020 Malting Barley Harvest Quality Update

The barley harvest has all but wrapped up, and this year’s malt barley crop in western Canada will rate as one of the better quality crops in the last ten years with excellent plump kernels, high test weight and protein levels in the 11-13.5% range with a low incidence of DON and limited issues with pre-harvest sprouting.   Southern Alberta produced their first large quality barley crop after three years of drought.  Saskatchewan had a high quality crop this year with most regions producing above average yields.  There were several exceptions, including northern growing areas of Alberta and northwestern Saskatchewan that saw cool and wet weather for much of the growing season, reducing yields and all but wiping out any chance for malting barley selection.  On the other extreme, some parts of southern Saskatchewan and Alberta were much too dry resulting in thin, high protein kernels.

Crop size for all Canada will likely end up close to 11 million tonnes, although earlier in the summer many had anticipated even larger barley production. There were few factors that ultimately reduced output, one was the hail storms that pummeled numerous barley fields in July, as well as many acres that were drowned out due to excessive wet conditions, primarily in northern regions of Alberta.

Overall the barley yields were above average for many farmers with yields often in the 80 to 90 bushels per acre range(4.3-4.8 tonnes per hectare). The malt barley selection rate is high with over three million tonnes of available malt barley of which over 50% is CDC Copeland, approximately 20% AC Metcalfe and 25% AAC Synergy.  The domestic maltsters will require around one million tonnes of malt barley this crop year that will leave some 2 million tonnes of malt barley for the export market.

2020 Malting Barley Overview

Quality

• Protein: On average protein content is ~0.5% higher than 2019.  Results to date suggest the following average protein levels from 2020 malting barley varieties:
  • CDC Copeland – 11.8%
  • AC Metcalfe  – 12.2%
  • AAC Synergy – 11.5%
• Germination: Virtually all germination tests to date have yielded above 95%, with an average of germination energy results of ~98%.
• Test weight: Good test weights this year, averaging 65-70 kg/hl .
• Plump: Plumps generally >90%
• RVA: Overall the majority of results in selected 2020 samples of malting barley have had RVA values of >100, however as select regions received moisture prior to harvest, there have been some samples with evidence of pre-harvest sprouting, particularly in certain varieties (e.g.  AC Metcalfe).

Agronomy

• Yields: Overall yields were high in 2020 with many malting barley fields achieving 80-90 bushels per acre in areas that received sufficient, but not excessive, moisture.
• Pre-germination: While some regions experienced rains prior to harvest, less than 10% of samples are showing pre-germination. Those samples that do show chitting are generally on the low end of the range (0.5-1.0% chit).
• Disease: No major issues with disease this year, although some regions reported limited presence of FHB.  In samples where DON has been detected, levels have generally been below 0.5 ppm.

HARVEST PROGRESS UPDATE

16/10/2020

Official harvest progress by Province:

• As of October 13, Alberta barley harvest is estimated at 97.8% complete (source AB Ag).
• As of October 12, Saskatchewan barley harvest is estimated at 100% complete (source SK Ag).
• As of October 13 , Manitoba barley harvest is estimated at 99% complete (source MB Ag).

HARVEST PROGRESS UPDATE

14/10/2020

Official harvest progress by Province:

• As of October 6, Alberta barley harvest is estimated at 94% complete (source AB Ag).
• As of October 5, Saskatchewan barley harvest is estimated at 99% complete (source SK Ag).
• As of October 6, Manitoba barley harvest is estimated at 99% complete (source MB Ag).

Harvest progress update

02/10/2020

Official harvest progress by Province:

• As of September 29, Alberta barley harvest is estimated at 82% complete (source AB Ag).
  • South – 97.2%
  • Central – 81.7%
  • North East – 80.0%
  • North West – 63.0%
  • Peace – 44.3%

• As of September 28, Saskatchewan barley harvest is estimated at 98% complete (source SK Ag).

• As of September 29, Manitoba barley harvest is estimated at 97% complete (source MB Ag).

Harvest Progress Update

28/09/2020

Official harvest progress by Province:

• As of Sep 22, Alberta barley harvest is estimated at 66% complete (source AB Ag).
  • South – 93%
  • Central – 62.1%
  • North East – 52.8%
  • North West – 46.0%
  • Peace – 26.4%

• As of September 22, Manitoba barley harvest is estimated at 95% complete (source MB Ag).
  • Southwest – 95-100%;
  • Central – 95-100%;
  • North West – 90%

• As of Sep 21, Saskatchewan barley harvest is estimated at 86% complete (source SK Ag).

CMBTC Harvest Progress Report – September 21, 2020

22/09/2020

Official harvest progress by province:

• As of Sep 15, Alberta barley harvest is estimated at 47% complete (source AB Ag).
• As of September 14, Manitoba barley harvest is estimated at 92% complete (source MB Ag).
• As of Sep 14, Saskatchewan barley harvest is estimated at 72% complete (source SK Ag)

Barley harvest is advancing quickly throughout the Prairies. If it were not for wet, cold conditions in some regions the barley harvest would be close to finished. The northern regions of Alberta have been plagued by wet and less than ideal growing conditions which delayed crop maturity and pushed back the start of harvest.  Meanwhile, the majority of the harvest is complete in Saskatchewan although the Northwest region is being slowed down by nuisance rains. Manitoba is 90% finished their barley harvest. Overall the malt barley harvested to date is showing very good quality with generally high test weights and plump kernels, low incidence of DON and limited chitting. There has been a relatively wide range of proteins with the majority of the samples in the 11-13.5% range. This is a high quality crop, and there will ample tonnage available for the domestic and the export market. The forecast for the next week to ten days is for warm, dry conditions which will significantly advance the barley harvest in outstanding areas.

ALBERTA
Barley harvest is finished in the southern region while the central region is quickly concluding their barley harvest. The northern tier, having been fighting wet and cold conditions for the majority of September, have roughly 30 to 35% of  their barley harvest done. The provincial average as of today would now likely be over 60% done. The early quality results are good with wide ranging protein levels of 10-14%, plumps generally 85% and yields averaging slightly better than 80 bushels per acre. What is needed is a good harvest weather window of ten days to two weeks to get the barley crop harvested. Harvesting tough barley crops in the northern regions of the province is becoming more common. There is no doubt that a high percentage of the barley combined in the northern tier of the province will have to be dried and will be feed.

Southern Region: ( Lethbridge, Strathmore, Foremost )

Barley harvest is finished and the barley is in the bin. It has been a banner year for this region. Overall the yields and quality of the barley remain good to excellent with the yields averaging over 100 bushels per acre on dry land on many farms. Average yields should easily eclipse 80 bushels per acre. The protein level ranges from 10-14%.

Central Region: ( Rimbey, Ardrie, Olds )

This region has 75-80% of the barley acres harvested. Crop forecast for this region was for a large, high quality crop. The early quality to data has been good with proteins on the lower side and plumps over 80%. There are some farmers coming to the unpleasant realization that the July hail storms have been more punitive than had been anticipated, some farmers were seeing 100 bushel per acre crops in early July are now harvesting 30/40 bushel per acre crops. Good weather this past weekend and dry warm forecast for this week should assist in getting the remaining barley acres harvested this week.

North East Region: (Smoky Lake, Vermilion, Camrose, Provost)

This region has suffered from hail and rain combined with lower than normal summer temperatures which has delayed crop development. Harvesting tough barley crops is becoming more common in this region.  They are in the early stages of harvest although with good progress made the past few days, the barley harvest may now be 40-45% done.  There was some rain this past Sunday, but the weather forecast for this week and then next ten days is for dry conditions which should move barley harvest forward.

North West Region: (Barrhead, Edmonton, Leduc, Drayton Valley, Athabasca)

This region has been receiving weekly rain events which has resulted in poor harvest conditions.  This is another region where harvesting tough barley is becoming more common, it has been four consecutive years of difficult harvest conditions.  It is estimated that 35-40% of the barley has been harvested. The forecast for this week is promising with most warm dry weather. A high percentage of the barley harvested will have to be dried. This region needs a dry, warm weather window to move their harvest acres forward, although no doubt some fields may have to be abandoned due to the extreme wet conditions

Peace River Region: ( Fairview, Grand Prairie )

Barley harvest is slowly moving forward and is now roughly 25-30% complete. Warmer weather this past week helped advance the harvest but this region is still struggling with too much moisture and cool conditions. There is not much known on the early harvested barley quality with the exception that the early yields are averaging 65-70 bushels per acre.

SASKATCHEWAN

Barley harvest is advancing quickly throughout the province. At this time at least 80% of the barley crop should be in the bin. There were a few interruptions due to some rains over the last 10 days, however compared to last crop year, this has been a much better experience. More warm dry weather is in the forecast for this week which will permit the barley harvest to get close to wrapping up for this year. Overall, the barley quality have been good to excellent with most areas averaging yields of over 80 bushels per acre. Protein levels are in the 11.0-13.5% range and the major of the barley is over 90% plump. There should be a high percentage of acceptable malt barley available for the domestic and export the malt barley market. As always there has been some acres lost to hail which was punitive in the Northeast Region.

Southwest Region: ( Assiniboia, Swift Current, Maple Creek )

Barley harvest is done on this region. Due to the hot dry conditions that farmers harvested this year there was a higher frequency of field and combine fires. It is worth noting that this region suffered through their fourth driest August on record. A good rain after the end of harvest would be of great benefit to recharge the soil moisture before freeze up. The yields have been averaging 70 bushels per acre and the quality has been good.

Northwest Region: ( North Battleford, Lloydminster )

Harvest progress has been a challenge in this region due to the wet conditions that have persisted throughout the crop year and again into harvest. Good dry conditions the pass week moved along harvest and with the exception of a Sunday rain event, the forecast is for a rain-free warm dry week into next ten days which will greatly advance the barley harvest. To date, the barley quality has been good with yields with over 80 bushels per acre, protein levels in the 12 to 13.5% range and the plump over 85%. Some of the barley harvested has been stored in either aeration or in the dryer to reduce the moisture level.

West Central Region: ( Saskatoon, Kindersley, Biggar )
Over 60% of the barley acres have been harvested in the Kindersley and Rosetown area and close to 75% of the barley harvest has been completed in the Saskatoon area. Some nuisance rains have delayed harvest in the last two weeks and there was a rain event this Sunday which will keep the farmers out of the fields until mid week. There is dry weather in the forecast for the next week which should bring the barley harvest to a conclusion for this year. The overall results of the Rosetown and Kindersley barley are good quality with a protein range of 12-13.5% and plumps averaging over 90%.  The early yields are averaging over 90 bushels per acre with a number of fields topping over 100 bushels per acre.

Southeast Region- ( Regina, Weyburn, Moosomin )

Over 80% of the barley acres have been harvested and with a forecast of warm dry weather for this week, harvest advancement should climb to 90% by the end of this weekend. Yields have been good with the Weyburn area registering 80 bushels per acre yields and the Moosomin area is averaging 90-100 bushels per acre. The quality has been good with the protein average of early harvested barley at 11-12.8% and the plump registering over 90%.

Northeast Region- ( Prince Albert, Tisdale, Melfort, Nipawin )

Harvest at times has been a challenge in this region due to a number of rain events that have slowed down harvest activity. However, the farmers have been persistent and have managed to get 90% of the barley crop harvested in this region. Some of the tonnage will have to be dried as it was combined tough. A large percentage of the barley was swathed and farmers were justifiably concerned that the nuisance rains and strong wind storms would adversely affect yields and the quality of the barley, so they chose to harvest some of the barley at elevated moisture levels. Since virtually all the farms have dryers in this region, the barley will get dried or stored in a aeration bin. The forecast for this week is for warm, dry temperatures which should permit the last barley acres to be harvested.

East Central Region: ( Yorkton, Kamsack, Watrous )

This region has enjoyed warm dry conditions for the pass week and are forecast to have warm dry weather for the next week. Barley harvest should be close to finished this week. Some of the barley  will have to be dried as it was harvested a little tough. The overall results are good quality with average early yield reports of 75 bushels per acre. There are some fields that yielded over 100 bushels. Some farmers are a little disappointed with their yields as early yields looked like 90-100 bushels per acre but the August heat blast nipped some yield off the crop. Overall there is a good barley crop coming from this region.

MANITOBA
The barley harvest has come to an end in the southern and central regions.  Overall the quality is good and the yields have been above average.

Southwest Region- ( Brandon, Virden, Boissevain ) 
Barley harvest is finished in this region. The yields have been in the 80-90 bushel per acre range.

Central Region ( Portage La Prairie, Red River Valley )
Barley harvest is all done in this region.  Yields ranged from 70-120 bushels per acre and protein levels are in the 12 to 13.5% range.

CMBTC Harvest Progress Report – September 3, 2020

04/09/2020

HIGHLIGHTS

• As of Sep. 3^rd, 35-40% of the barley harvest is complete across the Prairies. Some areas like southern Alberta are almost finished, while others, like northern Alberta, have yet to begin.
• Many areas reporting above average yields to date, although parts of Saskatchewan that were dry this year, and areas in Alberta that were too wet, will be average or below.
• Test weights ranging from 48-59 lbs/bu (60-74 kg per hl); Plump kernels averaging 80-95%.
• Protein levels vary widely by area with the majority of the samples falling in a range of 11-13.5%.  On average proteins look to be about 0.5% higher than 2019, and similar to 2018.
• Limited reports of DON in malting barley to date.

Harvest progress by Province:

• As of Aug 31, Manitoba barley harvest is estimated at 62% complete (source MB Ag).
• As of Sep 1, Saskatchewan barley harvest is estimated at 37% complete (source SK Ag)
• As of Sep 3, Alberta barley harvest is estimated at 35% complete (based on farmer survey – next AB crop report will be released on Sep 4).

ALBERTA

The southern and central regions of the province have the potential to harvest some very good quality malt barley this crop year, while excessive wet conditions and below average temperatures for the northern regions through most of the growing season will push harvest into September and raise the potential for quality concerns. The present weather pattern of low daytime temperatures and low overnight temperatures dropping into the single digits is not conducive for fields to dry properly, creating some harvest challenges.

Southern Region: ( Lethbridge, Strathmore, Foremost )

This region continues to benefit from good harvest weather which has permitted the barley harvest to move to 80% complete, and weather permitting the majority of the barley fields should be in the bin this weekend. Yields have been well above average with most fields yielding over 100 bushels per acre on dry land, and quality has been ideal for the malt barley market (low moisture, plump and good test weights). The protein levels reported so far have ranged from 10-14%.

Central Region: ( Rimbey, Ardrie, Olds )

Most farms will have started or are on the verge of starting their barley harvest in this region, with 5-10% of the barley harvested to date. The crop ratings are still in the mid 90% good to excellent.  Below average summer temperatures delayed crop development, however the majority of fields should now be ready to be harvested. This region has the potential for a large, high-quality crop, but weather will be an important factor in coming weeks with recent rain events delaying harvest activity.

North West Region: (Barrhead, Edmonton, Leduc, Drayton Valley, Athabasca)

This region has battled excessive wet conditions throughout the crop year and that has had a major negative effect on the crop. A number of fields have been written off. The crop rating has been decreasing on a weekly basis and the latest report from Alberta Agriculture has the rating at 22% G/E, down from the beginning of August when the crop rating was 44% G/E. It has been an extremely disheartening growing season for this region. Due to the continued poor weather the crops are still one to two weeks away from general harvest. The hope is that some drying weather enters the region before general harvest begins.

North East Region: (Smoky Lake, Vermilion, Camrose, Provost)

The majority of this region has had an ongoing battle with the wet weather conditions that has delayed crop maturity and will affect the quality of the barley crop. Harvest started slowly last week. The early yields results are averaging 55-60 bushels per acre which is below normal yields of 75 bushels per acre (note this is based on a small sampling of harvested acres). A number of wet fields have been written off due to excessive moisture. An open fall with good, dry weather will be a must to get all crops harvested.

Peace River Region: ( Fairview, Grand Prairie )

A few barley fields were harvested this past week, however, the majority of the barley harvest will only begin in the first ten days of September. With more rain in the forecast, this region will struggle to get into the fields, although the longer term outlook is more promising. Good weather through September will be a must to get this crop harvested.

SASKATCHEWAN

Over the past two weeks there has been sufficient warm and dry weather in Saskatchewan to allow the harvest to advance quickly.  However a general rain fell over the province last week that may negatively impact malt barley quality. The rain will probably translate into some farmers having to harvest wet grain and dry it on farm.  Early harvest quality is promising with proteins averaging mostly in the 11-14% range and  plumps ranging 80-95%. Most of the yields have been over 75 bushels per acre with a number fields yielding 100 bushels. To date around 40% of the barley crop has been harvested across the province.

Southwest Region: ( Assiniboia, Swift Current, Maple Creek )

Barley harvest is over 50% done and the results indicate yields averaging  75 bushels per acre. The bushel weight was heavy in the Gull Lake area and lighter in the Kyle area, just a matter of more rainfall in the Gull Lake area this crop year. There were a number of combine and field fires last week due to extreme hot weather conditions reaching 35C. The short term forecast is good which will accelerate the pace of harvest, although rain is in the forecast for next week.

Northwest Region: ( North Battleford, Lloydminster )

This region suffered from excessive moisture and a shortage of heat units this season. The crops are still a week to ten days away from general harvest. There were some early seeded fields that have been harvested, but those are the exceptions. There are some areas that are drowned out and some fields will have to be written off. Farmers are anxiously waiting for the crops to mature and begin harvest. Most barley fields will be ready by early next week or sooner.

West Central Region: ( Saskatoon, Kindersley, Biggar )

This region has been the recipient of good weather conditions throughout the growing season and certainly should harvest a large volume and high quality crop this crop year. The early yield reports are indicating that there are many farmers registering 100 bushels per acre. Barley harvest is approximately 40% done and while some rains mid-week will have kept farmers out of the field for a day or two, the forecast is for good weather over the next week which will allow harvest to advance quickly.

Southeast Region- ( Regina, Weyburn, Moosomin )

Weather conditions have been more favorable for this region and barley harvest is now approaching 50%. Farmers have been pushing to get their barley under cover.  After some rains mid-week, the weather forecast is for dry weather for the next few days which will allow the harvest to progress, although there is rain in the forecast again for early next week.

Northeast Region- ( Prince Albert, Tisdale, Melfort, Nipawin )

Barley harvest is approaching 50% complete. The threat of rain had a number of farmers harvesting high moisture barley which they will dry on farm. Yields have been disappointing for many as they were expecting better results. The straw looked good, however, the results were less than anticipated. Yields are ranging from 60-75 bushels per acre, although there were some good yields on the early seeded fields with results as high as 100 bushels per acre. Most fields have to be swathed due to lodging and this adds risk to the quality of the crop if there are any rain events. Overall the crops should be of average quality and yields.

East Central Region ( Yorkton, Kamsack, Watrous )
Farmers had made good progress in their barley harvest until they were interrupted with rain events over the past week. For the barley in the swath, this was not good news as it has resulted in some chitting. Farms have been actively harvesting barley between rains and are approaching 50% harvested. With periodic rain events in the forecast and temperatures generally in the mid-high teens, conditions have not been conducive to drying the crop down.  Farmers will have the choice of waiting for warmer weather or harvesting some of the barley at higher moisture and drying it on farm.

MANITOBA

There was good harvest weather which permitted the crop to advance to over 60% harvested at this time. Yields are reported at 60-100 bushels per acre which is above average. The early crop harvested is showing good quality results and there is a minimal amount of DON being reported.

Southwest Region- ( Brandon, Virden, Boissevain ) 

Barley harvest has progressed well over the past week with the amount harvested close to 60%. The yields range from 80-100 bu/acre reported.  The weather forecast is for cloudy conditions over most of the week and the potential of a rain event for mid-week which would slow down harvest.

Northwestern Region: ( Roblin, Swan River, Dauphin ) 

Harvest is just getting started in this region. There is not much to report on quality or yields at this time.

Central Regional ( Portage La Prairie, Red River Valley )
Barley harvest should be nearly complete this week in the region. The quality has been good and  the yields range from70-100 bushels per acre. Protein levels were in the 11-13% range and the plumps averaged over 85%. Fusarium head blight symptoms are showing up in barley but the severity appears to be low.

Crop Progress Report — July 27, 2020

10/08/2020

ALBERTA

Persistent rains continue to be a reoccurring scenario for most regions with the exception of the South. The excessive moisture is negatively impacting the crop, especially in the North West and Peace regions with barley showing significant yellowing due to wet conditions. Soil moisture reserves are above normal or higher for the majority of province, with some very wet areas in the Central, North East, North West and Peace Regions which are near a one in 50-year high.

The other feature that has plagued most of Alberta has been the lack of warm weather. Many of the regions have failed to register normal spring and summer time temperatures and that has prevented some fields from drying out and slowed down good crop development. In most regions the barley crop will be a week to ten days behind normal crop growth and that will push harvest into September.

Southern Region: ( Lethbridge, Strathmore, Foremost )

This region received trace amounts of rain in the last two weeks. The moisture conditions are rated 85% good to excellent. Crop development is a little behind due to cool and cloudy days, however, heat is moving into the region this week with temperatures forecast to be in the 30 degrees Celsius range which will advance crop development.  The barley crop looks good and the potential to produce a high quality, disease free crop is looking favorable providing there are no weather surprises.  Harvest should begin in late August for the early seeded barley fields.

Central Region: ( Rimbey, Ardrie, Olds )

This region has benefitted from good rainfalls, what is needed now is dry warm weather to move into the region. It’s simply too wet which is reducing the prospects for a good quality crop.  At 95% excellent moisture rating no more precipitation is required until after harvest. The excessive moisture conditions are causing yellowing in the crop. Spraying has been a challenge and some farmers had to hire airplanes to apply fungicides as the fields are too soft to support ground spraying. This region has struggled to get normal summer time temperatures and that has slowed down crop development. This week, the forecast is for temperatures in the mid 20s Celsius, warmer temperatures will help as long as there are no additional rain events. Crop development is lagging behind seven to ten days behind normal.

North East Region: (Smoky Lake, Vermilion, Camrose, Provost)

The moisture rating in this region is 99% good to excellent. Yields and quality will be affected by the wet conditions. No additional precipitation is need prior to harvest. The forecast is for warm, sunny days is which is what the region requires. Similar to other regions in Alberta, the crop is a week to ten days behind in normal development. Lack of proper heat units has plagued crop advancement. Aerial spraying was necessary to apply the fungicides as some fields were too wet to spray with the normal ground spraying.

North West Region: (Barrhead, Edmonton, Leduc, Drayton Valley, Athabasca)

This region has been excessively wet for the entire growing season, it seldom goes a week without some precipitation. Flooded out acreage has increased due to continued rainfall.  The region has suffered numerous rain events that have negatively affected the crop rating which dropped to only 27% good down from 44% early in the month. The moisture rating is 100% with 65% in the excessive category, which gives an indication of the severity of the moisture conditions.  The prospects for a good barley crop are slim, and it will be the odd pocket that produces good quality malt barley.  Fungicide spraying has been done by airplane in most areas as fields are too soft to support ground spraying.  Crop development is ten days behind normal. Mainly sunny and warmer temperatures are forecast for the week.

Peace River Region: ( Fairview, Grand Prairie )

More rainfall brought extra moisture to an already wet region. This region simply cannot go a week without getting some precipitation. The moisture rating is at 100% good to excessive with 15% been in the excessive category. Due to the wet conditions and lack of heat units, the crop is behind normal development by 1-2 weeks. The wet conditions raise concerns about the region being able to produce sufficient quality malt barley. Rain free warm days are needed, and while the forecast is for sunny, warm weather early in the week, there is a risk of showers in the later part of the week.

SASKATCHEWAN

Crop conditions continue to look good to excellent in the majority of the province. There are some regions in particular, such as the West Central and Northeast regions, that could produce some very high quality crops. Warmer weather this past week and recent rains have benefited crop development. For many regions they will be experiencing their hottest week of the growing season. The forecast is for hot temperatures, in the high 20s and low 30s Celsius which will help advance crop development. The barley crops in most regions are at near normal stages of development for this time of year. For many farmers they are looking at starting their harvest in last ten days of August and others in early September.

Southwest Region: ( Assiniboia, Swift Current, Maple Creek )

The barley crop is rated good to very good, however, their are some fields that are starting to show some lack of moisture stress especially around Shaunavon and Hazenmore. For this time of year the crops are at their normal stages of development. The weather forecast for the week calls for hot and sunny days with limited possibility of rain. A decent rain would aid the crop as the topsoil moisture, which is limited, has deteriorated in some of the areas due warmer temperatures and limited rainfall.

Northwest Region: ( North Battleford, Lloydminster )

Another 33 mm ( 1 1/3 inch ) of rain fell in the North Battleford area, this leaves this area and a number of other sections of this region wet. The cropland top soil moisture is rated 100% adequate to surplus, with 15% in the surplus category. Warm dry weather is need to improve crop conditions and dry out fields. This week, the forecast is for higher than normal temperatures and a high probability of more precipitation this coming weekend. Most of the crops are at normal development for this time of year. The region needs warm temperatures and no additional rain to advance the crop. Fungicide applications, for a number of fields, had to be applied by airplane as the fields were too soft for normal ground spraying.

 

Date: July 27
Variety: AAC Connect
Location: Birch Hills, Saskatchewan
Supplied by: Drew Sharp, Boortmalt

 

West Central Region: ( Saskatoon, Kindersley, Biggar )

This region received small amount of moisture this pass week. Crop conditions are good to excellent and the crop growth is advancing quickly with the warmer weather that the region has enjoyed the past two weeks. Warm weather will again be a feature this week, with temperatures hovering near the 30 degrees Celsius mark. The majority of the barley crop is rated at the normal developmental stage for this time of year. The topsoil rating is at 96% adequate to surplus which is well above the normal rating for this time year.

The crop potential is looking favorable for a large, high quality crop to be harvested this year. Harvest should start last half August.

Southeast Region: ( Regina, Weyburn, Moosomin )

Rainfall was variable these past two weeks in the region. The Regina area benefitted from a rainfall, this past Thursday July 23rd,  producing 23mm ( 1 inch ) of moisture. Weyburn and Moosomin were the recipients of trace amounts of rainfall in the last two weeks.  Crops are advancing quickly and farmers are expecting to be harvesting their barley crops within  30 days. Topsoil moisture ratings remain above 80% adequate and one more rain would help complete the barley crop development this growing season. The current week weather forecast is for mostly sunny days, with temperatures in the high 20s Celsius with a few days in the 30s and the high probability of rain for the later part of the week.

Northeast Region: ( Prince Albert, Tisdale, Melfort, Nipawin )

This region has had a variable weather pattern throughout the growing season. Some instances of intense rainfall, some areas missing the rains and other sections of the region were hammered by hail. Some of the fields that were hit by hail are coming back, other fields, unfortunately, have been written off. For the most part, a number of areas have not had seasonal temperatures and for that fact their crop development has suffered. Some areas such as Hoey and Prince Albert are roughly 7 to 10 days behind normal development. Warmer temperatures this week will advance the crop maturity, however, some of the fields will be harvested in early September rather than in the last week of August.

Some fields, in the Tisdale area, will be harvested in the third week of August, all going well. In general, the crop prospects for this area are looking good and the potential for a large high quality crop are tempered only by the threat of hail or additional rain events.

 

Date: July 27
Variety: CDC Copeland
Location: Rosthern, Saskatchewan
Supplied by: Matt Enns, Makers Malt

 

East Central Region: ( Yorkton, Kamsack, Watrous )

On the 19th and 20th of July a two day rain event produced 37mm ( 1 1/2 inches ) of moisture in the Yorkton and Kamsack areas. These rains combined with hot temperatures advanced the growth development of the barley crop. The Watrous area only received a trace of precipitation from this rain event. One more decent rain would be ideal to help the barley crops to fill and prevent any crop stress. Overall the crops look good in this region. The majority of the fields were sprayed with fungicide. There are some farmers that plan to commence their barley harvest within the next 30 days.

MANITOBA
In general the barley crops are in average to good condition. Hot temperatures have advanced crop development in the last two weeks. Expectations are that some barley fields will be harvested in the third week of August.

Southwest Region: ( Brandon, Virden, Boissevain ) 

The region is wet and in the pass week a thunderstorm deposited an additional 25mm ( 1 inch ) of rain in the Brandon/Virden area. Growing degree-days are normal in most of the region but precipitation is well above normal this year. Soil moisture conditions are good to excessive in some areas. Wawanesa and Boissevain areas are not as wet and in some cases could use one more decent rain to help fill their barley crop. Most of the barley fields have a fungicide application done in the last week. Warmer weather is in the forecast however there is the threat of rains later in the week which the region does not require.

Northwestern Region: ( Roblin, Swan River, Dauphin ) 

In the last two weeks Dauphin has received 56mm ( 2 inches ) of rain and Swan River over 70mm ( nearly 3 inches ) of rain. These areas now require some heat and no additional moisture to advance their crop growth. The wet conditions have made weed control and fungicide spraying a challenge. The weather forecast is for sunny hot days in the early segment of the week and then there is the risk of rain in the later part of the week. Overall the barley crop looks good in this region

Central Regional: ( Portage La Prairie, Red River Valley )
The region has been dry over the last two weeks with minimal precipitation. Hot and humid conditions with temperatures over the 30 Celsius mark for the last week to ten days have advanced crop growth.  With the recent precipitation, high humidity and heavy dews, fungicidal protectants have been applied to most barley fields. The barley crop is rated good to excellent. This week, the forecast for warm temperatures which will advance the barley crop. There is sufficient moisture to carry the crop into mid August.  The crop potential is favorable for this region.

Crop Progress Report — July 6, 2020

ALBERTA

What farmers would like to see in Alberta is some dry weather with warm temperatures to permit the soil to dry out and advance crop development. No doubt that in the Southern and Central regions the conditions are more than ideal to replenish sub-soil and topsoil moisture reserves, while in the North West, North East and Peace regions they do not need any more moisture. These three northern tier regions require a combination of warmer temperatures and no rain events for the remainder of the month. The persistent rainfall is now becoming a nuisance and is creating problems as farmers attempt to finish post-emergence spraying. The Alberta barley crop is rated 80% good to excellent at this juncture of the crop year.

Southern Region: ( Lethbridge, Strathmore, Foremost )

This region received widespread rainfall the weekend of June 27/28th, dumping between 75mm and 175mm ( 3 to 7 inches ) of moisture. The Lethbridge/Foremost area received 75mm and the Vulcan area received up to 150 MM. The crops do not need more precipitation at this time, they have sufficient sub-soil moisture to carry them to harvest. Some of the barley fields have headed out and will be harvested in early August. The forecast is for warmer weather to enter the region which will prompt good crop development. The crop rating is at 85% good to excellent which is certainly well above the five year average of 63%, remembering well the last three years were drought years in this region. There is a great deal of cautious optimism at this time for good barley yields. The moisture level is rated at 85% good to excellent after the recent rains.

 

Date July 5
Variety – CDC Bow
Location – Southern Alberta

 

Central Region: ( Rimbey, Ardrie, Olds )

This region continues to get persistent rains and there is more moisture in the forecast for this week. Since the 24th of June, Red Deer has received 75mm ( 3 inches ) of precipitation.  At this time, further rainfalls are not needed, warm dry weather and no additional moisture is what farmers would greatly welcome. The re-occurring theme of low day time temperatures have been a constant throughout the growing season. Warmer temperatures would permit the soil to dry out and advance crop development. The forecast for the next week to ten days calls for daytime temperatures struggling to register 20 degrees Celsius and the strong possibility of more rain mid week.  Conditions within the Central region are considerably above historical norms and currently estimated at 95 per cent good or excellent compared to the five-year average of 63 per cent and 10-year average of 74 per cent. Surface soil moisture ratings remain above 90%  good or excellent, with one per cent rated excessive.

North East Region: (Smoky Lake, Vermilion, Camrose, Provost)

This region received another 55mm ( 2 inches + ) of additional rain this past week, all of which it did not require. The soil moisture rating is  97% good to excessive, with 6% of the ranking in the excessive category. This additional moisture makes it more challenging for farmers to get their spraying completed as many of the fields are not passable with equipment. Crop conditions within the region are currently estimated at 84 per cent good or excellent, above the five-year average of 72 per cent. What this region requires is no more precipitation and dry warm weather.  There is sufficient sub-soil moisture to carry the crop until mid August. The weather forecast calls for potential rain mid week and then sunny warmer conditions which is what is needed for good crop development.

North West Region: (Barrhead, Edmonton, Leduc, Drayton Valley, Athabasca)

This region is suffering from excessive moisture conditions. Another 45mm ( 1 3/4 inches ) of precipitation fell this pass week and the ten day forecast is for unsettled weather with more rain events. The majority of this region simply does require additional moisture, it needs warm, dry weather. All this rain has flooded and saturated many fields. This excessive moisture has current barley crop conditions estimated at 47 per cent good to excellent which is significantly below the five-year average of 64 per cent.  Top soil moisture is rated at 100% good to excessive with 50% of the rating being excessive which is somewhat of a rare occurrence. The moisture conditions make it challenging to spray fields as the soil cannot support the spraying equipment and aerial spraying will have to be the norm for many farms. The region is desperately in need of warm dry weather for the foreseeable future.

Peace River Region: ( Fairview, Grand Prairie )

This region is plagued with wet conditions. Grand Prairie received another 72mm of rain in the June 27th to July 2nd period. Farmers are falling behind in their spraying activity and the crop development is progressing slowly due to the fact that day time temperatures are unable to register above 20 degrees Celsius. The forecast for this week calls for light showers and temperatures that will struggle to reach 20 degrees Celsius which will be problematic for crop development and spraying activity will be limited. Crop conditions within the Peace region are currently estimated at 68 per cent good or excellent, which is comparable to the five-year average of 64 per cent. In a number of areas, producers are under pressure to make spraying progress given amount of dry days are limited. The region needs dry conditions and July heat to promote better crop conditions otherwise the crop will begin to go backward.

SASKATCHEWAN

The entire province received some moisture from the weekend rains of the 27th/28th of June and through the first week of July, especially the Southeast region which was dry and in need of moisture. The majority of the rain was welcomed, however in a few parts, like the Northeast of the province, they are satisfied with the rain events to date and would welcome a reprieve from any additional moisture until month end. Unfortunately with the thunderstorms there was hail that hit in parts of the Northeast region. The rains have improved the crop development and in general the crops are in good to excellent condition.

 

Date – June 25, 2020
Variety – AAC Connect
Location – Margo, Saskatchewan

 

Southwest Region: ( Assiniboia, Swift Current, Maple Creek )

The region received traces amounts up to 50mm ( 2 inches ) in the Assiniboia. There are still a few parts that would benefit from additional moisture. In general the crop is in good condition. The weather forecast is for warmer temperatures, in the mid 20 degrees Celsius  and the potential of rain activity later in the week. The Swift Current region received some moisture Sunday which will help promote crop development.

Northwest Region: ( North Battleford, Lloydminster )

In the last two weeks there was limited rainfall in the region, with North Battleford only registering 15mm ( 6/10 of a inch ) of moisture. Dry conditions throughout much of the region have benefited crop development. Warmer temperatures are moving into the region along with some potential precipitation which will improve the crop conditions. The barley crop is estimated to be at 80% of normal growth development at this time

West Central Region: ( Saskatoon, Kindersley, Biggar )

This region continues to benefit from good rain events as moisture conditions steadily improve. Since June 27th the rain accumulation has ranged from 27mm to 37mm ( 1 inch to 1 1/2 inches ) and the Saskatoon area received additional precipitation this pass Sunday. The rains and warm temperatures have improved crop development. Crop conditions for barley rate over 85% good to excellent. At this time of year, this is the best crop conditions this region has experienced in over five years. Warmer temperatures in the mid to high 20 degrees Celsius and the potential for another rain event this week should further benefit the crop.

Southeast Region: ( Regina, Weyburn, Moosomin )

This region was certainly in need of the timely rains that covered the region, just in time to salvage the crop. The moisture levels ranged from 25 mm ( 1 inch ) in Regina and Weyburn receiving 60mm ( 2 1/2 inches ) of rain since June 24th greatly improving the areas crop condition. The dry conditions were starting to push the crop backward.

The precipitation helped crop conditions in the region, but more rain will be required in the next week to ten days to maintain and advance crop development.  The 10 day forecast calls for warmer temperatures and the potential for showers mid week.

Northeast Region: ( Prince Albert, Tisdale, Melfort, Nipawin )

The region continues to get good rains and most farmers would appreciate dry warm weather to replace the rain events. There is sufficient sub-soil moisture to carry the crop through the month of July. Some parts of the region, such as Nipawin, have saturated fields due to the high volume of precipitation that they have received to date. Since the 24th of June, this area, has received in excess of 60mm ( 2 1/2/inches ) of additional moisture on what was a wet area. Farmers will be spraying this week and hope for warmer temperatures to enter the region. There was some hail that passed through a 50 mile strip in this region hail pounding some barley fields in Mefort, Star City, Tisdale, Carrot River, Ridgedale, Arborfield, Nipawin, Bjordale and Zenon Park areas causing variable degrees of damage, some fields were destroyed but many will come back.. Mainly warmer weather is forecast for the next week to ten days with the slight prospect for rain mid week. In general, the crop conditions are in good to excellent condition.

East Central Region: ( Yorton, Kamsack, Watrous)
This region has struggled getting any meaning rainfall throughout most of the growing season. The last rain event left trace amounts in some areas with Yorkton and Canora barley registering 10mm ( 4/10 on an inch ). Watrous received 25mm ( 1 inch ). There are a few pockets of the region that are getting timely rains, but for most parts the region needs rain and heat.  Lack of moisture, below normal seasonal temperatures and the windy conditions are drying out the fields and that is staling good crop development. This region is desperately in need of rains and soon. On an optimistic note, this weeks forecast is for warmer temperatures and a strong potential for rainfall mid week. A number of barley fields are in the flag to early head stage.

MANITOBA

The weekend of June 27/28th a weather system brought torrential rainfall to the Southwest region. Moisture levels ranging from 120mm to 200mm ( 5 to 8 inches ) in short time period. The area extended from Souris in the south, to Laurier in the north, out to Neepawa in the east, and Birtle to the west. Many fields were saturated with water running through fields and flooding roads. The city of Brandon and the surrounding area was completely deluged with water flooding homes and fields. It will take time to assess the water affected crops and to determine if and how they will recover. For the other regions that did not get pummeled by the rains they look very promising as they have benefitted from good moisture conditions and hot humid temperatures.

Southwest Region: ( Brandon, Virden, Boissevain ) 

Torrential rain storm flooded many of the fields, in this region. It will take time to assess the damage done to the crop. Some of the areas on outskirts of the devastated area, such as Wawanesa and Boissevain received a modest 25mm ( 1 inch ) of moisture and  the crops conditions are near ideal. The barley fields are variable from just getting to flag to heads emerging. These areas will need additional precipitation later this month.

Northwestern Region: ( Roblin, Swan River, Dauphin ) 

There was severe rainfall, in this region, with amounts varying from 40mm (  1 1/2 inches ) in Swan River, 80mm ( 3 1/5 inch ) in Roblin and up to 124 mm ( 5 inches ) at Alonsa. The rains caused pooling in low lying areas, in fields, and has left some acres saturated. Pesticide application has been some what challenging with the wet fields and farmers are trying to catch up. Temperatures the pass week were in the 30 degrees Celsius which helped to dry out some fields and promote crop growth. This week the forecast calls for temperatures in the mid 20 degrees Celsius range and the potential for additional moisture which is not what is needed now in this region.  Dry warmer conditions are what is needed to promote better crop development

Central Regional: ( Portage La Prairie, Red River Valley )

This region has experienced hot and humid conditions with temperatures over the 30 degree Celsius mark for the last week to ten days. These conditions have helped push along crop development. Rainfall for the period, June 30 to July 4th, was variable with the Winnipeg area receiving 20mm ( 4/5 of an inch ) meanwhile the Morden/Carman area received 40mm ( 1 1/2 inch ) and Morris had a high of 60 mm ( 2 1/2 inches ) of precipitation. Overall, the herbicide applications are near complete in the region and producers were preparing to begin spraying fungicides. Barley is in the joint stage while the early seeded fields are headed out. The barley crop is looking good for this time of year.