Warm, dry weather across Alberta has pushed seeding progress to near completion, with 99% of crops now in the ground — ahead of both the five-year (96%) and ten-year (96%) averages, according to the latest provincial crop report. With limited rain delays and plenty of wind to keep things moving, farmers across all regions are reporting rapid crop emergence and development.
As of this week, 83% of all crops across the province have emerged, far surpassing the five-year average of 66%. Crops like dry peas (97%), spring wheat (93%), and barley (85%) are leading the way. Canola and oats have lagged slightly behind but are still trending well above historical averages.
The fast pace of crop growth is also translating into earlier-than-usual post-emergence spraying. Roughly 25% of spraying is already complete — nearly triple the five-year average of 9%. Pest pressure from flea beetles, gophers, and wireworms has likely contributed to this urgency.