The rain that has fallen since July has helped replenish soil that had become extremely dry during spring
Most farmers in Western Canada will be heading into winter with good soil moisture reserves.
Climate specialists with Agriculture Canada say above average precipitation across much of the Prairies this fall has allowed most drought stressed regions to fully recover.
“There are some exceptions where below-normal soil moisture is a bit of a concern heading into the winter,” Agriculture Canada said in an email.
“(However,) most prairie regions are heading into the winter with good soil moisture reserves.”
Below-normal rainfall in May and June left many fields ex-tremely dry entering the growing season.
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Lack of moisture in most of Sask-atchewan and Alberta resulted in uneven seed germination and reduced plant populations.
Since then, most of Western Canada has seen frequent rainfalls.
The most notable exceptions are parts of northern Alberta, where dry conditions persisted throughout much of 2014 and 2015.
Soil moisture recharge during the fall period is important to pastures as well as annual crops.Â
“Recent rainfall and good soil moisture readings into the winter will help grasslands and pasture recover from this spring’s drought conditions and should allow them to get a good start next spring,” Agriculture Canada said.
“However, the prairie region (also) relies heavily on winter snow pack and spring rainfall.… The current conditions certainly will help;Â we are starting in a positive water situation. Â Water supplies and soil moisture are currently in a good situation.”
Agriculture Canada said a strong El Nino is expected this winter.
That would normally mean warmer and drier than normal winter conditions, but it is not a certainty.Â
“El Nino … tends to have a greater impact on conditions in British Columbia and Alberta with less impact the further east you go,” the department said. Â
“At this time, (prairie) producers are in fairly good shape, soil moisture is in a good situation, water supplies are good and even below normal runoff will provide sufficient recharge in the spring in most situations.”
Northern Alberta needs above-normal snow pack and runoff to help replenish supplies.
 Precipitation and soil moisture maps prepared by Agriculture Canada can be viewed online at www.producer.com.
brian.cross@producer.com
