Canada Markets

Statistics Canada's thematic maps prepared with satellite data clearly show the impact of the Prairies' late spring through the study of vegetative growth as compared to normal. While the southwestern corner of Saskatchewan appears as yellow, which represents a similar vegetative growth to normal, southern Alberta and a significant amount of southern Saskatchewan were indicated to be tan in color, which indicates a lower level of vegetative growth as compared to normal, while the dark brown shaded area covering northern Alberta, northern and eastern Saskatchewan as well as all of Manitoba is reported to be much lower than normal.

Looking at past years (not shown), 2013's map was mostly shaded yellow for normal as of the same date across Saskatchewan and Alberta, with southern Manitoba shaded tan and indicating lagging vegetative growth. 2012 indicates a more advanced vegetative growth, with most of Alberta and northern Saskatchewan being similar to normal stages of growth, while southern Saskatchewan through Manitoba was indicated as being higher to much higher than normal.

Late seeding on the Prairies due to a battle with lingering cold weather and excess moisture this spring is the underlying issue behind the data obtained. Saskatchewan Agriculture's most recent crop report estimated that excessive moisture would result in 8% of the acres not being seeded in the southeast region of the province while 5% of the acres in the east-central region of the province would not be seeded.

While warm weather to dry soggy soils and also aid in the development of the crop that did get seeded is badly needed, a recent blog written by DTN's Senior Ag Meteorologist Doug Webster suggested that the month of June may remain slightly cooler and wetter than normal.

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

Follow Cliff Jamieson on Twitter @CliffJamieson

(ES/)

© Copyright 2014 DTN/The Progressive Farmer. All rights reserved.