Cold, Snowy April Delays Start of Alberta Seeding

May 12, 2026

Unseasonably cool and snowy conditions delayed the start of spring seeding across much of Alberta, even as late-season moisture helped improve soil conditions heading into the growing season.

The province’s first crop report of the year showed the planting of all crops at about 8% complete as of Tuesday, behind the five-year average of 15% and the 10-year average of 13%. Major crops (spring wheat, oats, barley, canola, and dry peas) were 6.1% seeded, with activity furthest advanced in southern and central Alberta, where fields dried through April. Seeding in the South region was almost 26% complete for all crops, compared with the five-year average of 36.5%, while the Central region was 3.5% seeded, well behind its average of 12%.

Progress was minimal farther north, where snowmelt was still underway. The North East, North West and Peace regions were each less than 1% seeded, with the Peace region’s snowpack only beginning to melt. Seeding was expected to begin first in southern areas of the Peace where fields are dry enough to support equipment.

Among major crops, spring wheat was 7% seeded provincially, barley was 10.5%, canola was just 0.8% and dry peas were 17%. Durum was further advanced at 34%, reflecting stronger progress in the South region, where 39% of the crop had been seeded. Lentils were 22% complete, chickpeas 31% and mustard 17%.

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