Early stage of canola growth. Photo courtesy Canola Council of Canada.

By Erika Rolling

Agriculture

Crop emergence significantly ahead of 5 and 10 year averages provincially

Jun 16, 2025 | 12:15 PM

The latest Alberta Crop Report says after an early wrap up to seeding around the province, a rapid emergence of crops have followed in suit.

In the June 10 report, all major crops at the provincial level had reached 95 per cent emergence. This statistic is well ahead of the 5-year average of 84 per cent, and the 10-year average of 86 per cent.

In the Peace Region, 100 per cent of Spring Wheat and Dry Peas had emerged as of that date; with 94.8 per cent of Oats, 94 per cent Barley, and 89.7 per cent Canola having also emerged.

Despite favourable emergence rates and crop development progress, the current limited soil moisture was said not to be supportive, particularly in advanced crops where deeper soil moisture reserves are needed.

This report was given before plentiful rainfall swept through Alberta.

As of June 10, the sub-surface soil moisture ratings in the Peace were: 16 per cent poor, 48 per cent fair, 36 per cent good, 0 per cent excellent, and 0 per cent excessive. The good-to-excellent ratio for the region was a 36 per cent, a steep reduction from the 5-year average of 76 per cent.

Tame hay conditions in the Peace were also being reported as: 28 per cent poor, 50 per cent fair, 22 per cent good, and 0 per cent excellent.

The good-to-excellent rating in the Peace was 22 per cent for this report, in comparison to the 5-year average of 55 per cent.