As this year’s harvest comes to a close, southern Alberta is one region expected to see higher than average crop yields, but yields in others areas are trending below average.
Minister of Agriculture RJ Sigurdson issued a statement on Nov. 6 for the end of the growing season, saying final estimates show crop yields slightly above average in the south, north, west and Peace regions and below average in the central and northeast regions.
“Farmers faced many challenges over the last few years and, for some areas of the province, 2024 was a difficult growing season,” said Sigurdson, MLA for Highwood, "but Alberta producers are innovative and resilient.
“They work constantly to meet challenges head-on and drive sustainable growth in our agricultural sector.”
He said crop quality for oats and dry peas exceeds the five-year average, but the quality of spring wheat, durum and canola is lower than average.
“Factors like frost damage, colour, moisture content and sprouting all impact grade and affect how the grain will perform during processing or how the end product will turn out,” he said.
Sigurdson said Alberta generally produces high-quality crops.
“Alberta farmers help feed the world, and I’m proud of the reputation for safe, high-quality agricultural products that this industry has built for itself,” he said.
“I commend their continued dedication to growing quality crops, putting food on tables across the province and around the world.”
