In general, crop condition as assessed by NDVI is above average in the current monitoring period. Except for limited winter crop areas, however, crops were not yet planted due to the cold weather conditions. In terms of the CropWatch agroclimatic indicators, RAIN was 38% above average, which will benefit the coming planting season of summer crops; TEMP was close to average(-0.5° C), and RADPAR was average. In the main agricultural province of Alberta, the following indicator values were recorded: RAIN, +23%; TEMP, 2.1⁰C; RADPAR -3%; and—the resulting biomass production potential—BIOMASS +29%.

The NDVI development profile is above average after March, which indicates the good performance of winter crops in Canada. At the same time, accumulated biomass showed a positive departure of 8%. The maximum VCI was 0.71.

Figure3.9. Canada crop condition, January-April 2015

(a)Crop condition development graph based on NDVI               (b)Maximum VCI

(c)Spatial NDVI patterns compared to 5YA                                      (d) NDVI profile