Alberta crop harvest lags behind historical averages

As of September 22, approximately 45 per cent of crops in Alberta’s Central Region have been harvested. This figure is significantly lower than the five-year average of 78 per cent and the 10-year average of 58.5 per cent.

Across the province, 42.5 per cent of major crops have been harvested, with the South Region leading at 64.5 per cent. Quality estimates for cereal crops show hard red spring wheat at 64 per cent top grade, compared to a 10-year average of 57 per cent, while oats are at 21 per cent, below the 36 per cent average.

Canola quality is estimated at 90 per cent top grade, near the 10-year average of 89 per cent. Dry peas are estimated at 28 per cent top grade, exceeding the 10-year average of 24 per cent. Drier weather has helped maintain surface soil moisture ratings, with 74 per cent of provincial surface soil rated as good-to-excellent.