Harvest across Alberta is virtually complete, with 99% of major crops now in the bin, well ahead of the five- and ten-year averages of 97% and 83%.
The final regular weekly Alberta crop report for the 2025 growing season on Friday showed the harvest is finished in the North West and Peace regions, while the South, Central, and North East sit at 99% complete and are expected to wrap up within days. Major crops, including spring wheat, barley, oats, canola, and dry peas, have reached between 99% and 100% completion provincewide.
But while harvest progress has been strong, fall-seeded crop conditions have weakened. Provincially, only 32% of fall-seeded crops were rated in good to excellent condition as of Tuesday, down 2 points from the previous week and well below the five-year average of 54%. Conditions held steady in the South, improved in the North East and North West by 4 and 11 percentage points respectively, but dropped sharply in the Central region, which fell 14 points to 16% good to excellent. The Peace Region did not report any fall-seeded acres this year.
Moisture remains an increasing concern heading into winter. Despite scattered showers and light snow in recent weeks, soil reserves continue to decline. Provincial surface moisture conditions slipped slightly to 16% good to excellent as of Tuesday — less than half the five-year average of 40%. Sub-surface moisture remains stable but similarly low at 18%, compared to the average of 37%.
Regionally, surface moisture conditions rated good to excellent stand at 22% in both the South and North West, 9% in the Central, 7% in the North East, and 29% in the Peace. Sub-surface moisture follows a similar pattern, ranging from just 10% in the North East to 30% in the Peace region.
Most areas are entering winter with dry soils. Average or above-average snowfall, followed by timely spring rains, will be essential to restore soil reserves and support healthy crop and forage growth in the 2026 season, the report said.
