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January 25, 2002
Winter has brought no drought relief to farmers on the Canadian Prairie. The 2001 drought that cut wheat production to levels not seen since 1988 has not abated, and pastures are reportedly in the worst condition since the 1930's. The current dry conditions started during the winter of 2000, and the situation has only worsened over the last year.
Satellite image composites of the Canadian Prairie in the spring and fall of 2001 show that vegetation conditions were below normal before and after the summer growing season. A PECAD map of precipitation since September of 2001 shows large expanses of dryness in Eastern Alberta, and pockets of dryness in Saskatchewan. Considering the poor state of prairie pastures in September, it can be assumed that the continued lack of precipitation has caused further deterioration. A PECAD map of modeled surface moisture suggests that in many places there may not be adequate moisture in the soil to plant summer crops, such as wheat and canola. PECAD will be monitoring this situation closely.
Additionally, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada maintains a web page titled Drought Watch on the Prairies, with links to maps of precipitation and pasture conditions.
For more information, contact Jim Tringe of the Production Estimates and Crop Assessment Division at 202-720-0882.
