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Canola swath in Fairview area. Photo courtesy Erika Rolling.
By Erika Rolling
Agriculture

Spring wheat and canola above average quality in Alberta

Sep 15, 2025 | 12:40 PM

Harvest has progressed even more past the five and 10 year averages in the past week around the province.

According to the latest Alberta Crop Report dated September 9, provincial completion of harvest for all crops sits at 42 per cent. This is well above the five-year average of 40 per cent and 10-year average of 32 per cent.

In the Peace Region, harvest was at 38 per cent complete at the time the report was complied. The five-year average for this area is 21 per cent.

The estimates for harvest completion by crop as of September 9, 2025, in the Peace are:

  • Spring wheat – 48.7 per cent
  • Barley – 52.9 per cent
  • Oats – 33.5 per cent
  • Canola – 21.9 per cent
  • Dry peas – 74.3 per cent

The first crop quality estimates for the season show varied grades, with overall quality above average for select crops such as spring wheat and canola; while durum, oats, and dry peas are rating below their five and 10 year averages.

Provincially, 77 per cent of spring wheat is rated as 1 C.W., above the five-year average of 61 per cent. For canola, it is estimated to be 91 per cent 1 Can., above the five-year average of 84 per cent. Dry peas are estimated to have 12 per cent rated as 1 Can., compared to the five-year average of 29 per cent.

Dryland major crop yields are projected to go above their five-year averages provincially, other than oats which is expected to be slightly below. The Peace Region is expected to have a yield two per cent below the five-year average. All other regions are expected to exceed their averages.

Little to no precipitation has not helped with sub-surface and surface soil moisture ratings. The dry conditions have led to decline in most regions, including the Peace, where the good to excellent surface moisture rating is at 38 per cent. The sub-surface moisture conditions rating for good to excellent is at 37 per cent.

Pasture and tame hay conditions are lacking in the Peace, with very few producers getting a second cut this season. The report did not note any numbers for the Peace for a second cut dryland hay. The good to excellent rating for tame hay stands at 24 per cent in our region.

by Erika Rolling