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Cool weather and timely rains boost crop potential

Cool weather and timely rains boost crop potential
Aug 05, 2025
By Farms.com

Alberta Crop Yields Surpass Expectations 

According to the AFSC and Alberta Government Crop Reporting Survey released August 1, 2025, cool temperatures and additional rainfall in the South and Peace regions helped improve sub-surface soil moisture and supported healthy crop development across much of Alberta. 

Initial yield estimates indicate dryland crops are expected to perform well, especially in the South and Central regions, with yields projected at 13.7% above the five-year average and 6.2% above the ten-year average. Irrigated crops in these regions are also showing strength, expected to yield 4.2% above the five-year and 3.9% above the ten-year average. 

Despite hailstorms in certain areas, the moisture has supported key crops like spring wheat, barley, canola, and dry peas. Dry peas are performing particularly well, with a five-year index of 123.6%. Canola stands at 109.1%, and spring wheat at 106.9%. Oats lag slightly due to lower results in northern areas. 

Provincial crop conditions remain stable, with 64% of all crops rated good to excellent—well above seasonal norms. Regionally, the Central region leads with 93% of crops in good to excellent condition, while the Peace region trails at 22%. 

Hay production is progressing slowly due to cool, wet conditions. Dryland first cut is 85% complete with an average of 1.2 tons per acre. Irrigated first cut is 82% complete with an average of 2.5 tons per acre. Fewer producers plan second cuts this year. 

Surface moisture levels have improved to 60% good to excellent, and sub-surface moisture stands at 51%. Pasture and tame hay conditions are holding steady, with slight improvements in the South and Peace. 

Pest activity has been observed in limited areas. In the Peace region, 6% of fields reported grasshopper activity above threshold levels. 

For more information about the grasshopper, please visit the Farms.com Field Guide Pest pages

Photo Credit: pexels-tudsaput-eusawas


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