Provincially the 1998-99 winter will likely be remembered not for the brisk temperatures, but for the higher than normal snowfall. An unseasonably cool, wet spring caused many producers to supplementary feed their cattle well into May. Forage growth was curtailed due to the lack of heat, forcing producers to use good forage management in the spring so as not to damage their forage stands. Fortunately, producers were able to supplementary feed livestock and utilize available stocks of feedstuffs.
By May 31, approximately 90 per cent of the crop was planted with only greenfeed and silage remaining. Overall, the lack of heat units caused crops to be quite late and uneven in their early stages of development but generally crop conditions were rated as good throughout the growing season. The lack of rain in portions of the North West Region (Athabasca, Sangudo) and the Peace River Region (Falher, Fairview) resulted in very poor annual crops and forages. Grasshopper infestation levels were moderate to heavy in all Regions.
By early August (due to the inclement growing season weather) the producers were just wrapping up an unusually late first cut of hay. As well, producers in the drier areas of the North West Region and the Peace River Region began culling their herds and selling their fall calf crop, as feed shortages became more apparent.
Prolonged hot, dry weather during much of September hastened crop maturation and haying operations. Across much of the province, crop reporters rated the quality of this year's crop to be favorable and on average, crop yields to be at record or near record levels (see table on crop yields).
As of November 23, provincial crop reporters expected that a possible shortfall of hay could be experienced by 24 per cent of producers. The majority of respondents indicated feedgrain supplies to be adequate to surplus. It is estimated that about five per cent of producers could experience silage deficiencies, while straw for feed and fodder supplies could be insufficient by 10 and 20 per cent of producers, respectively.
Region One: Southern (Strathmore, Lethbridge, Medicine Hat, Foremost)
Fair to good quality surplus hay supplies are reported by the majority of crop reporters. Most feedstuffs are rated in good to excellent condition, with adequate to surplus quantities reported. Feed barley and oats are the only feedstuffs reported to be in limited supply, with one-third of respondents indicating a possible shortfall. Crop reporters indicate that dugout levels are quite low and will need a good runoff to replenish them.
Region Two: Central (Rimbey, Airdrie, Coronation, Oyen)
Producers generally expect all feedstuffs to be adequate to surplus across the Region. Approximately one-third of producers rate feed and fodder as good to excellent condition, with Coronation and Stettler producers rating much at fair quality. Some dugout water levels are reported to be low and a good spring runoff will be needed to fill them.
Region Three: North East (Smoky Lake, Vermilion, Camrose, Provost)
Three-quarters of respondents expect hay, greenfeed, silage and straw supplies to be sufficient. In addition, the overall quality of these feedstuffs is generally good. Some drier areas of the Region, such as north of St. Paul, have experienced severe feed shortages. In these locales, many herds have been liquidated and producers (prior to freeze up) were busy filling dugouts. Feed barley and oats are adequate to surplus in supply, and about 75 per cent of respondents expect silage supplies to be sufficient. Livestock are rated in fair to good condition, while pastures are rated in poor to fair condition.
Region Four: North West (Barrhead, Edmonton, Leduc, Drayton Valley, Athabasca)
About one-third of respondents expect that hay supplies may be insufficient and one-half of crop reporters felt bedding straw supplies may be inadequate. Other feed and fodder supplies appear to be in adequate to surplus supply. Overall, quality is rated as good to excellent by the majority of respondents. Livestock are rated to be in good to excellent condition. Some drier areas of the Region (Barrhead, Sangudo, Mayerthorpe) have reported poor to fair pasture conditions.
Region Five: Peace River (Fairview, Falher, Grande Prairie, Valleyview)
An unseasonably dry, hot growing season in parts of the Peace River Region has curtailed feedstocks in some locales. As such, approximately one-half of respondents indicated that shortages of hay could result, while one-third indicated that greenfeed and straw supplies may be insufficient. Yet, feedgrain stocks are expected to be adequate, and overall, the quality of most fodder stocks are rated as good. Pastures are rated to be in poor condition, but livestock are generally in good condition. Hay yield in the Region was reported at 1.5 tons per acre.
