Alberta Crop Harvest Nears Completion with Gains

Warm dry weather helps Alberta farmers advance harvest

According to the latest AFSC and Alberta Government Crop Reporting Survey, Alberta’s harvest is advancing quickly thanks to warm and dry conditions across much of the province.  

By September 23, 2025, 77 percent of major crops were harvested, an increase of 18 percent from the previous week. This pace is well ahead of the five-year average of 68 percent and the ten-year average of 54 percent. 

Harvest progress varied across regions, with the South leading at 84 percent complete, followed by the North West at 80 percent, the Peace at 78 percent, the North East at 77 percent, and the Central region at 72 percent. Winter wheat, fall rye, dry peas, and lentils are nearly complete, while durum is 92 percent finished.  

Among spring-seeded cereals, 89 percent of spring wheat, 87 percent of barley, and 82 percent of oats are in the bin. Mustard stands at 85 percent harvested, canola at 56 percent, chickpeas at 71 percent, and flax remains behind average at 35 percent. 

Crop quality estimates remain favorable. For example, 78 percent of hard red spring wheat is grading No. 1, compared to the five-year average of 58 percent. Canola quality is also high, with 93 percent grading No. 1. Provincial yield estimates have risen, now sitting more than 25 percent above the five-year average and 17 percent above the ten-year average. 

Despite strong harvest progress and yield potential, moisture remains a key concern. Surface soil moisture rated good to excellent has fallen to 25 percent, well below the five-year average of 45 percent. Producers emphasize the importance of significant precipitation before freeze-up to replenish reserves for next year’s growing season. 

Pasture conditions have also weakened, with only 28 percent rated good to excellent. Fall-seeded crops are rated 40 percent in good to excellent condition, also below long-term averages. 

Farmers across the province continue to focus on completing harvest while balancing optimism about strong yields with concerns about lingering dryness. 

Photo Credit: istock-zhaojiankang