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Canola field east of Grande Prairie on June 8, 2026. (Image Credit: Erika Rolling)
By Erika Rolling
Crop Report

Widespread rain helping soil moisture reserves

Jun 15, 2026 | 12:50 PM

In the latest Alberta Crop Report issued based on conditions observed on June 9, AFSC says precipitation has been helpful across the province for keeping soil moisture reserves high.

The rain, however, dampened the efforts of producers trying to finish seeding operations.

Provincial seeding progress of major crops is now 97 per cent complete. The Peace Region’s seeding is 97 per cent complete, with 60.7 per cent crop emergence. The week prior, crop emergence was at 27.8 per cent. The five-year average for our area is 78.7, the 10-year average is 73.2 per cent.

Emergence of spring wheat is 77 per cent, dry peas 75 per cent, barley 63 per cent, oats 59 per cent and canola 47 per cent in the Peace.

Crop emergence in the province sits at 80 per cent, below the five-year average of 88 per cent. AFSC says all regions expect crop development to advance significantly once temperatures increase.

Sub-surface soil moisture ratings were improved or maintained across Alberta, except in the Peace Region during the report’s timeframe.

Provincial sub-surface soil moisture good-to-excellent ratings were reported as 79 per cent, well above the five-year average of 45 per cent and the 10-year average of 58 per cent.

In the Peace, sub-surface moisture is 0 per cent poor, 5 per cent fair, 60 per cent good, 35 per cent excellent, and 0 per cent excessive.

Tame hay growth improved greatly in a week, with the provincial good-to-excellent ratings sitting at a combined 65 per cent, compared to the five-year average of 50 per cent and the 10-year average of 60 per cent.

Tame hay conditions in the Peace Region are reported as 26 per cent poor, 38 per cent fair, 31 per cent good, and five per cent excellent.

by Erika Rolling