Warm, dry weather accelerated seeding activity across Alberta over the past week, pushing producers closer to finishing spring planting, although progress remains behind historical averages in several northern regions.
Provincial seeding progress for major crops reached 74% complete as of Tuesday, up sharply from 51% the previous week but still below the five-year average of 83%. The pace of planting varied considerably across the province, with southern Alberta maintaining its lead while northern regions continued to lag due to slower field conditions earlier this spring.
The South Region reported seeding progress at 95%, ahead of its five-year average of 91%, while the Central Region reached 85%, matching historical norms. Northern regions remained behind average, with the North East at 68%, North West at 58%, and Peace Region at 52%. The largest weekly gains occurred in the North East, where seeding advanced 32 percentage points, followed by Central at 26 points and the North West at 25 points.
Among major crops, dry peas were closest to completion at 91%, while oats lagged significantly at 47%. Spring wheat planting across the province was 86% done, with barley at 75% and canola at 61%.
Crop emergence also continued to improve but remained below average across much of the province. Emergence of major crops reached 33%, trailing the five-year average of 43%. Southern Alberta stood out as the exception, with emergence at 66%, well above average.
Moisture conditions remain mixed across Alberta. Surface soil moisture rated good-to-excellent fell to 59%, below both five- and 10-year averages. Southern and central areas saw moisture conditions deteriorate noticeably, increasing concerns about crop establishment and pasture growth, while northern regions generally maintained stronger moisture reserves. Producers in drier regions are hoping for rainfall to support emergence, while others continue to benefit from conditions favorable for completing seeding.
Region One: South (Strathmore, Lethbridge, Medicine Hat, Foremost)
• Warm weather has allowed seeding to progress well, but moisture is needed throughout the region. Seeding progress of major crops advanced 15 per cent from last week, to 95 per cent complete.
• Crop emergence advanced rapidly and is now at 66 per cent, above the historical average, supported by warm conditions and rapid field activity. • Sub-surface moisture is 20 per cent poor, 36 per cent fair, 40 per cent good, 4 per cent excellent, and 0 per cent excessive.
• Conditions of tame hay are reported as 9 per cent poor, 35 per cent fair, 55 per cent good, and 1 per cent excellent.
Region Two: Central (Rimbey, Airdrie, Coronation, Oyen)
• Favorable weather helped producers to make good seeding progress, up 26 per cent from a week ago, though moisture would also be welcomed. Estimates indicate nearly 85 per cent of major crops are seeded.
• Sub-surface moisture is 16 per cent poor, 26 per cent fair, 55 per cent good, 3 per cent excellent, and 0 per cent excessive.
• Tame hay conditions are reported as 25 per cent poor, 34 per cent fair, 41 per cent good, and 1 per cent excellent.
Region Three: North East (Smoky Lake, Vermilion, Camrose, Provost)
• With the warm and windy conditions, fields within the region that had standing water pools are reported as getting drier, allowing for good seeding progress.
• Seeding of major crops is estimated at 68 per cent complete, up from 36 per cent a week ago.
• Sub-surface moisture is 11 per cent poor, 25 per cent fair, 53 per cent good, 10 per cent excellent, and 1 per cent excessive.
• Conditions of tame hay are reported as 8 per cent poor, 52 per cent fair, 38 per cent good, and 2 per cent excellent.
Region Four: North West (Barrhead, Edmonton, Leduc, Drayton Valley, Athabasca)
• While some areas of the region made good progress, wet field conditions in others have hindered seeding progress. Regionally, 58 per cent of crops are now seeded, an increase of 25 per cent compared to 33 per cent a week ago.
• Sub-surface moisture is 8 per cent poor, 41 per cent fair, 31 per cent good, 19 per cent excellent, and 0 per cent excessive.
• Tame hay conditions are reported as 7 per cent poor, 52 per cent fair, 40 per cent good, and 1 per cent excellent.
Region Five: Peace (Fairview, Falher, Grande Prairie, Valleyview)
• Windy conditions over the last week have helped reduce field moisture and supported seeding progress. However, some areas are still experiencing excessive moisture conditions, especially in low-lying fields. Seeding of major crops is reported at 52 per cent complete, up 19 per cent from last week.
• Sub-surface moisture is 0 per cent poor, 0 per cent fair, 58 per cent good, 42 per cent excellent, and 0 per cent excessive.
• Conditions of tame hay are reported as 29 per cent poor, 33 per cent fair, 33 per cent good, and 4 per cent excellent.
