Alberta crop harvest progress and yields

In late September, the crop harvest in Alberta’s Central Region was significantly behind historical averages, with only 45 per cent of crops harvested compared to a five-year average of 78 per cent. While provincial harvest progress stood at 42.5 per cent, the South Region led with 64.5 per cent completion. At that time, cereal crop quality varied, with hard red spring wheat exceeding 10-year averages while oats remained below.

By late October, the harvest in Central Alberta reached 99.8 per cent completion. Although the season was extended due to moisture in crops and fields, cooler temperatures, and wind, provincial yields were projected to be strong. The five-year dryland provincial yield index estimated that major crops would yield 21 per cent above the five-year average. Regional performance showed significant variation, with the South region expected to yield 60 per cent above average and the North West region projected to yield 9 per cent below its average.