Major Crop Emergence Ahead of Average in Alberta but Dryness Increasing

With seeding finishing ahead of the average pace, major crop emergence in Alberta is also running ahead despite eroding soil moisture. 

Friday’s weekly crop report showed that 95% of all major crops had emerged across the province as of Tuesday (spring wheat, oats, barley, canola, peas). That is well ahead of the five-year average of 84% and the 10-year average of 86%. 

Provincial dry pea emergence and spring wheat emergence are virtually complete compared to a five-year average of 92% and 90%, respectively. Barley emergence, at 96%, is nearing completion, ahead of the 5-year average of 84%. For later seeded crops, canola emergence is at 89%, which leads the 5-year average of 78%, while oat crop emergence is at 85%, ahead of the 5-year average of 71%. 

Rapid emergence of the 2025 crop has been followed by advanced development of the crop as well.  

However, the report said that despite the favourable emergence rates and crop development progress, limited soil moisture “is not supportive, particularly in advanced crops where deeper soil moisture reserves are needed.” 

Surface soil moisture levels across the province continued to decrease this past week due to ongoing dry and windy conditions. Provincewide surface soil moisture was rated just 20% good to excellent as of Tuesday, down from 42% a week earlier and well below the five- and 10-year averages of 61%.