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Canola swathing operations starting in County of Grande Prairie on August 31, 2026. (Image Credit: Erika Rolling)
By Erika Rolling
Crop Report

Harvest progressing slower than historical averages

Aug 31, 2026 | 12:51 PM

According to the latest Alberta Crop Report by AFSC, producers around the province are getting ready for, or are already in, the swing of harvest.

In the Peace, harvest has begun on early seeded crops, with operations expected to pick up over the next two weeks. Only 1.6 per cent of dry peas, 0.7 per cent of barley, and 0.5 per cent of spring wheat have been harvested in the area, as of August 25. Swathing of canola has also begun in this area.

Historically, harvest has had an earlier start in Alberta, but difficult weather conditions in the spring and a very wet growing season kept farmers out of their fields. That pushed seeding further into the end of May and even June in some areas.

Provincially, all crops rated in good-to-excellent condition is 61 per cent. Regionally, the Peace is at 49 per cent good-to-excellent ratings for major crop conditions. Yields are expected to be nine per cent over the five-year average in the Peace.

Tame hay and pasture conditions are still above the long-term averages for the majority of Alberta. Provincial pasture growth conditions remain unchanged from last report at 47 per cent good-to-excellent, above the five-year average rating of 33 per cent and 10-year average rating of 43 per cent.

In the Peace, good-to-excellent pasture growth ratings are at 50 per cent. Tame hay is at 56 per cent.

Surface soil moisture conditions remain unchanged from the report prior, staying at 79 per cent good-to-excellent in the Peace. Sub-surface soil moisture declined two points to 88 per cent.

The next Alberta Crop Report is due out on September 4.

by Erika Rolling