Latest Alberta crop report released

Aug 12, 2025

Rains across Alberta, which varied in their intensity and brought some hail, helped stabilize moisture levels and crop conditions during the week ended August 5.

Major crops across the province were rated at 63.6 per cent good to excellent, just 0.2 of a percentage point higher than the previous week.

However, the figure is well above the five-year average of 51.3 per cent and the 10-year average of 55.8 per cent.

Crops in the central region stayed put at 93 per cent good to excellent, while the northwest declined one point at 68 per cent.

The south was unchanged at 64 per cent, the northeast dropped one point at 58 per cent and the Peace region gained three points at 25 per cent.

The central region exceeded its five-year average by 44 points while the Peace region is trailing its own by more than 25 points.

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Video: Independent Seed, National Impact | On The Brink: Episode 9

A survey of 200 independent seed businesses reveals what Canada's seed sector actually contributes — and what it stands to lose.

On the Brink, Justin Funk, a third-generation agri-marketer, shares the findings of a national survey conducted in early 2026. The numbers reframe the conversation: independent seed companies in Canada represent upwards of $1.7 billion in dedicated seed infrastructure, approximately 3,000 full-time equivalent jobs in rural communities, and an estimated $20 million in annual community contributions. And roughly 90% of Canada's cereals, pulses, and other small pollinated crops flow through them.

The survey also asked how dependent these businesses are on public plant breeding to survive. The answer was unambiguous. For policymakers evaluating the future of publicly funded breeding programs, Funk argues the economic case for this sector and the case for public plant breeding are the same argument.

On the Brink is a cross-country video series exploring the future of plant breeding in Canada. Each episode features voices from across the industry in an open, ongoing conversation about innovation and long-term investment in Canadian agriculture.