Crop Conditions Looking Up in Most Regions — But the Peace Remains Under Pressure

Jul 03, 2025

Good news for many Alberta farmers: crop and soil moisture conditions have taken a turn for the better across most of the province, thanks to much-needed rain in recent weeks. The latest provincial report shows a 10-point bump in major crop ratings, with 59% now falling into the “good to excellent” category.

That’s a welcome improvement — but still well short of the five- and ten-year benchmarks (73% and 71%, respectively). And in the Peace Region, the story is more grim: crop ratings there dropped another 2% this week, sitting at just 25% good to excellent.

Region by Region: Where the Crops Stand

South: Crop conditions improved to 55% good to excellent, up 7% from last week. Spring wheat and barley are already in the booting stage. Rain has helped pastures green up, but overall growth is slow, and pasture ratings remain low at 33%.
Central: This region saw the biggest jump — crop conditions rose by 20% to 72%, buoyed by rainfall of up to three inches. Pastures improved to 53% good to excellent. Haying is underway in some areas, though cool, wet weather has slowed progress.
North East: Crop ratings climbed to 65%, but pasture (33%) and tame hay (28%) are still well below normal. Despite better surface moisture, sub-surface moisture remains limited, restricting regrowth.

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Video: Agriculture Secretary Rollins Speaks at American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in Anaheim

One of the highlights at the 2026 American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in Anaheim, California, was an address by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins. During her remarks, she thanked America’s farmers and ranchers and said the Trump Administration is fully aware that food security is national security.

She also acknowledged the challenging times in Farm Country with low commodity prices and high input costs and said that’s why the President stepped in to help with the recent Bridge Assistance Program.

Montana Farm Bureau Federation Executive Vice President Scott Kulbeck says that Farm Bureau members are appreciative of the help and looks forward to working with the American Farm Bureau Federation and its presence in Washington, DC to keep farmers and ranchers in business.

Secretary Rollins said the Trump Administration is also committed to helping ranchers build back America’s cattle herd while also providing more high-quality U.S. beef at the meat case for consumers.

And she also announced more assistance for specialty crop producers who only received a fraction of the $12 billion Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA).

It’s important to note that producers who qualify for Farmer Bridge Assistance can expect the Farm Service Agency to start issuing payments in late February. For more information, farmers and ranchers are encouraged to contact their local USDA Service Center.