Farmers are looking for some timely rains going forward.

The Alberta Crop Report shows most of the rain over the last 30 days has been in the upper half of the Central Region, in the North East and North West Regions, and some in the extreme southern parts of the Peace Region.

Crop Statistician Ashan Shooshtarian says this led to moderately high to very high soil moisture in much of the North West and North East Regions, with some areas in the northern parts of the North East Region having extremely high moisture.

"In contrast, soil moisture reserves are moderately low to extremely low throughout much of the South Region as well as the southern and eastern parts of the Central Region. Soil moisture across much of the Peace Region is very low, with a large area in the central Peace, estimated to be near a one in 50 year low."

Provincial surface soil moisture ratings are now rated as 10 per cent poor, 25 per cent fair, 54 per cent good and 10 per cent excellent, with 1 per cent excessive. Sub-surface soil moisture ratings are estimated at 8 per cent poor, 25 per cent fair, 52 per cent good and 14 per cent excellent, with 1per cent excessive.

Shooshtarian says provincial crop growing conditions are now rated as 82 per cent good to excellent, compared to the 5-year average of 77 per cent and the 10-year average of 75 per cent.

"Regionally, growing conditions across the province vary, with the best ratings is for the North West Region with 95 per cent of crops in good or excellent condition. This was followed by the Central and North East Regions, where 89 per cent of crops are rated as good or excellent. Ratings are the lowest in the South Region at 70 percent good or excellent, below the 5-year average, due to the lack of moisture. For the Peace Region, growing condition ratings are slightly better than normal at 73 per cent in good or excellent conditions, while some areas in the central Peace are under stress from the dry conditions."

Overall, she notes, in the North East and North West Regions as well as in most parts of the Central Region, warm temperatures and adequate moisture contributed to active growth for crops and forages.

However, in the southern parts of the Central region some counties still need moisture in order to maintain growth and prevent yield loss.

Some crops in some low lying areas of the North West Region are showing signs of excessive moisture, while in the South Region, moisture is needed for dryland fields.

"Precipitation has been limited and hot temperatures have impacted forage yields and the growth of crops and pastures in most areas. In the Peace Region, temperatures were in mid to high 20°C range over the past week, with high winds. This along with small precipitation have resulted in depleting soil moisture in some parts of the region, especially in the central parts."