Alberta Harvest of Major Crops Passes Quarter Pole

Sep 03, 2021

More than one-quarter of this year’s Alberta crop was in the bin as of Tuesday, well ahead of the five- and 10-year averages.

The latest provincial crop report on Friday pegged the harvest of major crops (spring wheat, oats, barley, canola, dry peas) at 26% complete as of Tuesday. That is up from 16.5% a week earlier and easily tops the five-year average of 11% and the 10-year average of 12%. Last year at this time, just over 10% of the Alberta crop was off.

An additional 18% of Alberta major crops are in the swath as of Tuesday.

The bulk of the harvest progress to date has been made in the South Region, where 43.5% of the crop was already off as of Tuesday, compared to the more typical 30-21%. The South was followed by the Central Region at 27.5% complete, the North West at 23%, the Peace at 17% and the North East at 16%.

By crop, the spring wheat harvest was 30% complete as of Tuesday versus its five-year average of 9%, while barley was 35% combined compared to its five-year average of 14%. The oats harvest was 8 points ahead of the average at 11% done, canola 2 points ahead at 4% and peas at 28 points ahead at 85%.

Region One: South (Strathmore, Lethbridge, Medicine Hat, Foremost)

· Cool wet weather caused some harvest delays this week. The major crops are 44 per cent combined, 12 points above the five-year average. Swathed crops are now eight per cent, four points below the five-year average. The processing corn harvest started this past weekend, the main potato harvest should start by the end of the week.

· Pasture ratings are now 51 per cent poor, 37 per cent fair, 11 per cent good, and 1 per cent excellent. · Hay ratings are now 44 per cent poor, 41 per cent fair, and 15 per cent good.

· Surface soil moisture rated as poor/fair is 79 per cent with sub-surface moisture rated at 91 per cent poor/fair.

Region Two: Central (Rimbey, Airdrie, Coronation, Oyen)

· Moisture caused some harvest delays throughout the week. The major crops are 28 per cent combined, 20 points above the five-year average. Swathed crops are now 18 per cent, nine points above the five-year average.

· Pasture ratings are now 30 per cent poor, 32 per cent fair, and 38 per cent good.

· Hay ratings are now 33 per cent poor, 32 per cent fair, and 35 per cent good.

· Surface soil moisture rated as poor/fair is 57 per cent with sub-surface moisture rated at 62 per cent poor/fair.

Region Three: North East (Smoky Lake, Vermilion, Camrose, Provost)

· Rain and scattered showers slowed harvest in some areas. The major crops are 16 per cent combined, 12 points above the five-year average. Swathed crops are now 25 per cent, 14 points above the five-year average.

· Pasture ratings are now 78 per cent poor, 18 per cent fair, and 4 per cent good.

· Hay ratings are now 81 per cent poor, 16 per cent fair, and 3 per cent good.

· Surface soil moisture rated as poor/fair is 65 per cent with sub-surface moisture rated at 64 per cent poor/fair.

Region Four: North West (Barrhead, Edmonton, Leduc, Drayton Valley, Athabasca)

· Rains early in the week slowed harvest activity. The major crops are 23 per cent combined, which is 22 points above the five-year average. Swathed crops are now 23 per cent, 18 points above the five-year average.

· Pasture ratings are now 46 per cent poor, 43 per cent fair, and 11 per cent good.

· Hay ratings are now 41 per cent poor, 38 per cent fair, and 21 per cent good.

· Surface soil moisture rated as poor/fair is 50 per cent with sub-surface moisture rated at 44 per cent poor/fair.

Region Five: Peace (Fairview, Falher, Grande Prairie, Valleyview)

· Rain last week temporarily slowed harvest progress. The major crops are 17 per cent combined, 13 points above the five-year average. Swathed crops are now 20 per cent, which is nine points above the five-year average.

· Pasture ratings are now 64 per cent poor, 33 per cent fair, and 3 per cent good.

· Hay ratings are now 59 per cent poor, 38 per cent fair, and 3 per cent good.

· Surface soil moisture rated as poor/fair is 79 per cent with sub-surface moisture rated at 84 per cent poor/fair.

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Video: Why Seed Analysts are Thriving Under Seeds Canada

Last month in Edmonton, Alta., industry leaders and stakeholders gathered to discuss the evolving landscape of the seed industry at Seeds Canada’s annual conference. Among them was Sarah Foster, president of 2020 Seed Labs and the new vice-president of Seeds Canada.

Foster, who has been on the board of Seeds Canada for over a year, has witnessed firsthand the challenges and opportunities that come with the formation of the organization. Seeds Canada was established just over three years ago through the merger of multiple seed industry groups, including the Commercial Seed Analysts Association of Canada (CSAAC). Since then, the organization has been working to define its priorities and solidify its role in the industry.

“The challenge has been allowing the dust to settle after the merger,” Foster explained. “We’ve been focused on identifying what our priorities should be and ensuring that our members, especially the seed analysts, are getting what they need to continue their professional work.”

One of the recent highlights was a pre-conference event where the three major seed labs in Alberta — 20/20 Seed Labs, SGS Canada and Seed Check — opened their doors to members. The event saw a record number of seed analysts and business professionals in attendance. Foster emphasized the importance of this transparency, stating, “It’s crucial for people to see what goes on behind the scenes. We’re an open book now, and that openness helps build trust and understanding within the industry.”

The event also featured an environmental scan and a series of discussions that fostered strong communication among attendees. According to Foster, the dialogue was both encouraging and inspiring.

“A lot of people were really inspired by the fact that Seeds Canada is moving ahead with its agenda. The seed analysts, who have always worked diligently in the background, are now being recognized more prominently,” she said.

Before the merger, seed analysts were represented by CSAAC. Now, as part of Seeds Canada, they are finding their place within the larger organization. Foster believes that the integration has been successful, noting, “I think we’re thriving. You only need to look south of the border, where similar consolidations are happening.”

As Seeds Canada continues to evolve, Foster remains optimistic about the future. “I want to be totally transparent with anyone who is a seed analyst — I’ve got your back. We’re moving in a positive direction, and we’ll do everything we can to meet the needs of our members,” she said.