Warm Dry Weather Speeds Alberta Crop Harvest

Alberta Harvest Surpasses Seasonal Averages

According to the AFSC and Alberta Government Crop Reporting Survey, Alberta farmers combines are busy as they have harvested 42 per cent of all crops as of September 9, 2025, ahead of the five-year average of 40 per cent and the ten-year average of 32 per cent.  

Warm, dry weather has supported rapid harvest progress across most regions. The South leads at 52 per cent complete, while the North East and North West follow at 41 per cent, and the Peace Region stands at 38 per cent. The Central Region is slowest at 31 per cent, below its five-year norm of 42 per cent. 

Fall rye and winter wheat harvests are nearly complete, with dry peas and lentils over 90 per cent combined. First quality estimates show spring wheat and canola above average, while durum, oats, and dry peas rate below normal, reflecting summer heat stress and isolated hail damage. 

Soil moisture is declining province-wide. Surface moisture rated good to excellent has dropped to 41 per cent, matching the five-year average, while sub-surface moisture stands at 42 per cent. Persistent dryness is stressing pastures and hay. 

Second-cut dryland hay is 64 per cent finished with yields slightly above the five-year average. Pasture conditions are 41 per cent good to excellent, higher than the historical 32 per cent. 

Yield projections remain strong despite dryness. Dry peas are expected to be 34 per cent above their five-year average, spring wheat 19 per cent higher, and canola 17 per cent higher. Only oats are forecast to be slightly below average. 

Regional notes show grasshoppers, gophers, and flea beetles affecting late-season crops like canola, particularly in the South. Despite pest pressures, Alberta farmers are set for an above-average harvest if dry weather continues to support field operations. 

For more information about grasshoppers and  flea beetle, please visit the Farms.com Field Guide Pest pages. 

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