Alberta Crop Report - June 10, 2025

The previously reported rapid completion of seeding operations has been followed by a similarly rapid emergence of the 2025 crop. The emergence of major crops at the provincial level has reached 95 per cent, significantly ahead of the 5-year average of 84 per cent and the 10-year average of 86 per cent (Table 1). Provincial dry pea emergence and spring wheat emergence is virtually complete (100 per cent) compared to a 5-year average of 92 per cent and 90 per cent, respectively. Barley emergence of 96 per cent is nearing completion, ahead of the 5-year average of 84 per cent. For later seeded crops, the canola emergence is at 89 per cent, which leads the 5-year average of 78 per cent, while the oat crop emergence is at 85 per cent, ahead of the 5-year average of 71 per cent.

Rapid emergence of the 2025 crop has been followed by advanced development of the crop as well. For major cereal crops, provincial spring wheat and barley are reported as in the middle stages of tillering, when the 5-year and 10-year average development expected is only to be in early tillering for this week. Similarly, oat crop development is in the later stages of leaf development, when the 5-year and 10-year average development expectations are for middle leaf development stages at this time.
Despite the favourable emergence rates and crop development progress, the current limited soil moisture is not supportive, particularly in advanced crops where deeper soil moisture reserves are needed. However, weather conditions in Alberta can vary rapidly and timely rainfall will be needed in several regions for crop development to continue to progress. Reports indicate that precipitation is anticipated across most of the province prior to the release of the next crop report.

Surface soil moisture levels across the province have continued to decrease this week due to ongoing dry and windy conditions. The provincial good-to-excellent surface moisture rating is currently 20 per cent, which remains below the 5-year average of 61 per cent and the 10-year average of 61 per cent.

Similarly, sub-surface soil moisture levels have continued to decline across the province. The provincial sub-surface good-to-excellent rating is 26 per cent, positioned below the 5-year average of 56 per cent and the 10-year average of 58 per cent. At the regional level, sub-surface moisture ratings stand at 19 per cent in the South Region, compared to the 5-year average of 46 per cent. The Central Region sits at 35 per cent, below the 5-year average of 56 per cent. The North East Region is at 18 per cent, below the 5-year average of 70 per cent. The North West Region reports 32 per cent, lower than 5-year average of 49 per cent. In the Peace Region, sub-surface the good-to-excellent rating sits at 36 per cent, a reduction from the 5-year average of 72 per cent.

The majority of provincial pasture conditions are currently considered as “fair”. The provincial good-to-excellent pasture growth rating is 37 per cent, which is below both the 5-year average of 59 per cent and the 10-year average of 57 per cent. Regionally, pasture growth ratings are reported at 33 per cent for the South Region, 41 per cent for the Central Region, 33 per cent for the North East Region, 55 per cent for the North West Region, and 22 per cent for the Peace Region.

Tame hay growth conditions have declined compared to last week, with the provincial good-to-excellent rating at 40 per cent, which is below both the 5-year average of 60 per cent and the 10-year average of 58 per cent. Regionally, tame hay growth ratings are reported at 32 per cent in the South Region, below the 5-year average of 52 per cent. The Central Region is at 52 per cent, lower than the 5-year average of 67 per cent. The North East Region is reported as 33 per cent, under the 5-year average of 56 per cent. The North West Region is at 54 per cent, lower than the 5-year average of 68 per cent. The Peace Region is reported as 22 per cent, in comparison to the 5-year average of 55 per cent.