Harvest operations are moving swiftly across the province, thanks to a stretch of warm and dry weather that has created ideal conditions for farmers to continue field work.
According to the latest Alberta crop report (September 9), 42% of the provincial harvest is now complete—ahead of both the five-year average of 40% and the 10-year average of 32%.
In the Peace Region, harvest progress is even more significant. Farmers have now completed 38% of their harvest, well ahead of the five-year regional average of 21%. Dry peas are leading the way among major crops, with 74% already in the bin. While Barley is 53% complete, Spring Wheat 49% and Oats at 34%. Canola harvest lags behind major crops, but progressing at 22% complete.
However, the ongoing hot and dry spell is also taking a toll on soil and pasture conditions. Surface soil moisture has continued to decline, with just 38% of fields rated as having “good” moisture levels. No areas are rated as “excellent” or “excessive,” while 13% are considered “poor” and half fall into the “fair” category.
Pasture conditions reflect similar stress rated at 23% poor, 50% fair, 27% good, and only 1% excellent.
Keith Hopper, Trending 55
