Canada Markets

There's a mixed bag of progress taking place across the Prairies. While many farmers continue to wait for further drying to take place before they get on the land, others are suggesting that moisture would be beneficial to crops already in the ground to support germination. The drier regions are mainly limited to south-western Saskatchewan, as well as southern Alberta. An example of Alberta's moisture situation is seen in the most recent crop report, where .7% of the southern region was rated as having poor surface moisture, 11.8% was listed as fair, 67.4% was good, 19.8% was excellent and .4% was rated as excessive. This report was released as of May 6, while little or no moisture has been received since.

As seen on the attached graphic, U.S. weather forecasts indicate adverse weather over the next seven days, with moisture to hit by weekend. Currently, the various shades of purple and red, which indicate rainfall up to 3 inches, lie primarily below the 49th parallel, although southwestern Ontario may see higher levels than the prairies.

As indicated on the graphic, moisture will be focused on the southern areas of the Prairies. Across most of southern Alberta and Saskatchewan, a low probability of showers are expected to start as early as Thursday, with Environment Canada indicating a 60% chance of showers for Lethbridge and Medicine Hat for most of Saturday, Sunday and Monday.

In Saskatchewan, particularly Swift Current, Moose Jaw and Regina, the odds of moisture moves higher Saturday with the probability of precipitation (P.O.P) largely in the 60 to 70% range from Saturday through to Tuesday. Yorkton's P.O.P is 60% chance of showers from Sunday through Tuesday.

Forecasts which include rain, as opposed to showers, are seen for the south-eastern Saskatchewan community of Estevan, as well as for Brandon and Winnipeg in Manitoba. All three of these areas face a low probability of precipitation for showers Thursday night, followed by alternating showers and rain through to next Tuesday.

Prior to the system reaching the Prairies, producers will push forward to get seed into the ground wherever possible. Good luck and be safe.

Cliff Jamieson can be reached at cliff.jamieson@telventdtn.com

(AG)

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