Alberta Crop Report - August 5, 2025
Precipitation across the province last week ranged from scattered showers to heavier rainfall. While some areas experienced hail, moisture continues to be welcome particularly in regions that have been dry. Recent precipitation has been beneficial for spring-seeded crops, supporting head and pod development during critical growth stages. However, the added moisture may lead to harvest delays for fall-seeded crops in certain regions.
Major crops conditions for this week remain similar to ratings from last week (Table 1). The provincial good to excellent rating for major crops is currently at 64 per cent, exceeding the 5-year average of 51 per cent and aligning closely with the 10-year average of 56 per cent. Regional major crop good to excellent ratings (week-over-week change) were reported as 64 (0) per cent for the South, 93 (0) per cent for the Central, 58 (-1) per cent for the North East, 68 (-1) per cent for the North West, and 25 (+3) per cent for the Peace Regions. The poorest rated region remains the Peace, which is 25 per cent below the 5-year average. The North East Region is tracking closely with its 5-year average. Meanwhile, the Central, North West, and South regions are performing well above average, exceeding their 5-year benchmarks by 44, 26, and 14 per cent, respectively.
Major cereal crops continue to develop ahead of the long-term average, with the provincial average growth stage now at early dough development, compared to the historical average of late milk stage. Harvest operations have begun for fall-seeded crops and pulses in the South Region. In the Peace and North West regions, harvest of spring-seeded crops is expected to begin within the next two weeks.
Over the past week, surface soil moisture conditions have varied depending on the amount of rainfall received in each region, helping to maintain overall provincial moisture levels. Currently, 59 per cent of Alberta is rated as having good to excellent surface soil moisture, which is above the 5-year average of 47 per cent and the 10-year average of 50 per cent (Table 2). Regionally, the South Region saw a decline to 55 per cent, down 9 per cent from last week, the Central Region remained unchanged at 87 per cent, the North East Region experienced a notable improvement to 50 per cent after a 12 per cent increase from last week, the North West Region also remained unchanged at 39 per cent, and the Peace Region saw a modest increase of 3 per cent, bringing it to 35 per cent (Figure 1).
Regional sub-surface soil moisture good to excellent ratings (change from last week) are reported at 47 (+4) per cent in the South Region, 86 (+2) per cent for the Central Region, 33 (-1) per cent for the North East Region, 29 (0) per cent for the North West Region, and 40 (+6) per cent for the Peace Region (Figure 1). Overall, provincial sub-surface soil moisture good to excellent ratings are reported as 53 per cent, which is a 2 per cent improvement from the previous week.
Provincial good to excellent pasture growth conditions (Table 3) are 54 per cent, above both the 5-year and 10-year averages of 45 per cent. Regional pasture good to excellent growth conditions (change from last week) are reported as 48 (+1) per cent for the South Region, 83 (+2) per cent for the Central Region, 27 (-1) per cent for the North East Region, 35 (-4) per cent for the North West Region, and 28 (+5) per cent for the Peace Region (Figure 1).
Provincially, tame hay is currently rated at 44 per cent good to excellent, a 1 per cent increase from last week. This remains below the 5-year average of 47 per cent and the 10-year average of 50 per cent. Regional tame hay good to excellent growth conditions (change from last week) are reported as 42 (+1) per cent for the South Region, 73 (+2) per cent for the Central Region, 23 (-1) per cent for the North East Region, 39 (-4) per cent for the North West Region, and 27 (+5) per cent for the Peace Region (Figure 1).
Regional Assessment
Region Five: Peace (Fairview, Falher, Grande Prairie, Valleyview)
- Spring wheat development has reached early dough development, while barley and oats are both reported to be at the end of the milk development stage.
- Good to excellent ratings for major crops are reported at 21 per cent poor, 54 per cent fair, 25 per cent good, and 0 per cent excellent.
- Regional sub-surface moisture is reported as 11 per cent poor, 49 per cent fair, 40 per cent good, 0 per cent excellent, and 0 per cent excessive.
- Tame hay growth conditions are reported as 23 per cent poor, 50 per cent fair, 27 per cent good, and 1 per cent excellent.
Contact Us
Saddle Hills
Junction of Hwy 49 & Secondary Hwy 725
RR1, Spirit River AB
T0H 3G0
T. 780-864-3760
Fax 780-864-3904
Toll-free 1-888-864-3760
frontdesk@saddlehills.ab.ca
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