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(Image Credit: Erika Rolling)
By Curtis Galbraith
Agriculture

Alberta’s agriculture minister praises farmers’ hard, work, perseverance in statement on harvest

Oct 30, 2026 | 2:22 PM

A written statement from Alberta’s Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation says that “despite weather challenges, crop yields are estimated to be above average.”

Tara Sawyer says this is especially true for the southern and central areas of the province, adding that she applauds “the perseverance, patience and hard work of farmers despite the circumstances with this growing season.” 

Rain and snow have interrupted harvest several times. 

The October 20 crop report from the province says that 81 per cent of the crop in the Peace had been combined by that date. 

Yields in the Peace were estimated to be 14 per cent above the five-year average. 

Sawyer’s statement adds there are “positive signs across much of Alberta” as soil moisture conditions remain above historical averages, pasture conditions continue to be strong and fall-seeded crops are off to a good start.” 

The entire statement appears below: 

“For many farm families, harvest is the culmination of months of hard work and many long days. Whether they’re wrapping up harvest or working to bring in the last of this year’s crop, farmers and producers across Alberta continue to show the dedication and determination that keeps our agriculture sector strong.

“Despite weather challenges, crop yields are estimated to be above average, especially in the south and central regions. I applaud the perseverance, patience and hard work of farmers despite the circumstances with this growing season.

“Recent weeks have finally brought favourable conditions for harvest in many parts of Alberta, allowing producers to make significant progress. While slow maturity and periods of rain early in the harvest season and recent frost and snow have slowed work in some areas, producers continue to make the most of every opportunity to get crops off the field. Harvest of major crops is now 88 per cent complete across the province.

“As producers prepare for winter and begin looking ahead to the 2027 growing season, there are positive signs across much of Alberta. Soil moisture conditions remain above historical averages, pasture conditions continue to be strong and fall-seeded crops are off to a good start.

“Whether you’ve wrapped things up or you’re still in the field, I thank Alberta’s farmers for everything you do to feed Albertans, support your communities and help grow our province.”

by Curtis Galbraith