68 per cent of major crops harvested in Central Alberta

68 per cent of major crops harvested in Central Alberta

Published 2:50 pm Friday, October 2, 2026

Favourable weather conditions across most of the province supported harvest progress, with harvest of major crops
now at 60 per cent complete, representing a 21 per cent increase from the previous week.

“Current harvest progress remains behind both the five-year and 10-year averages of 86 and 68 per cent, and producers are taking every opportunity to harvest despite scattered rains and heavy frosts toward the end of the week,” the latest Alberta Crop report stated.

As of Sept. 2, 68 per cent of major crops have been harvested in the Central Region. This is a 25 percentage-point increase from the week prior.

“For provincial crops, the dry pea harvest is 97 per cent complete, with 6 per cent of the crop having been harvested over the past week,” stated the report.

“Barley harvest is now 79 per cent complete, advancing by 18 per cent. Spring wheat harvest is 73 per cent complete, with 30 per cent of the crop harvested since the previous report. Canola harvest has reached 31 per cent, an increase of 16 per cent, with an additional 36 per cent of the canola crop reported as swathed.”

Warm fall weather helped dry soils in most of the province over the past week, with the exception of the North East Region. Provincial surface soil moisture condition is rated at 68 per cent good-to-excellent, a six per cent decrease from last week.

Provincially and regionally, the sub-surface soil moisture conditions remain similar to values reported last week and the good-to-excellent ratings remain above both the five-year and 10-year historical averages. Provincial sub-surface moisture in good-to-excellent condition is at 65 per cent which is unchanged from last week. The provincial good-to-excellent 5-year average is 28 per cent and 10-year average is 45 per cent.

Pasture rated as having good-to-excellent growth stands at 51 per cent, representing a one per cent decrease from the previous week. Even with a slight decline, the current growth rating is exceeding the historical seasonal norms; good-to-excellent ratings are above both the five-year average of 23 per cent and the 10-year average of 35 per cent for this week.

Provincial fall seeded crops are rated as in good-to-excellent condition if they are emerging with near optimal stand being
established at the expected time of year. This week, provincial fall crops are rated at 75 per cent good-to-excellent, above both the 5-year average of 45 per cent and the 10-year average of 57 per cent for this week. Regional good-to-excellent conditions in Central Alberta are reported as 64 per cent.