Photo: Farmers make good progress on harvest Sept. 17 near Stettler, as warm dry weather aids fieldwork. Rural Alberta Report/ S. Salkeld

As of September 20, 2025, Alberta's harvest is nearing completion, with dry peas at 98% harvested, spring wheat and barley at 75%, oats at 63%, and canola at 28% harvested, with an additional 33% swathed. Regional progress varies, with the North West and North East regions nearly finished, while the Central Region lags at 59% complete.

Yield potential has improved notably this season, with dryland crops averaging 19% above the five-year norm. Crop conditions across Alberta are generally favourable, with 60% rated good to excellent. The Central Region shows strong crop health despite slower harvesting, while the Peace Region faced a challenging season, with only 26.5% of pastures rated good to excellent.

Alberta's growing season experienced a mix of weather patterns. Spring brought wet and cool conditions that supported early growth, though some regions experienced late frosts and early moisture deficits. Summer was hot, with periods of extreme heat in late May and August, and scattered rainfall in July helped fill grain kernels, particularly in southern areas. Dry conditions accelerated harvest in September but contributed to declining soil moisture, which by mid-month matched five-year averages for surface and sub-surface levels at around 41 to 42%.

Crop quality varied across the province. Spring wheat and canola exceeded average expectations, while durum, oats, and dry peas fell below their five- and ten-year averages. Regional yield projections were strong in the Central, South, and North West regions, slightly above average in the North East, and below average in the Peace Region.

Market conditions for Alberta's crops are influenced by both domestic and international factors. Canola prices have experienced fluctuations due to changes in global trade dynamics. As of mid-September, canola prices ranged from $557.35 to $573.23 per tonne, depending on the region and delivery month. However, prices have been under pressure, with a decline of 4.68% over the past month, reflecting broader market trends.

The wheat market has also seen activity, with Soft Red Winter (SRW) wheat futures experiencing varying trading volumes and open interest in recent weeks. For instance, on September 15, 2025, the estimated trading volume was 78,188 contracts, with open interest at 461,325 contracts.

Feed barley prices have remained relatively stable, with September prices around $4.50 per bushel, and slight increases expected in the following months. Yellow peas have seen a range of $6.50 to $7.50 per bushel, depending on the delivery period.

Other pressures included pest activity, such as gophers in the North West and flea beetles and grasshoppers in the South, as well as dryness affecting pastures and hay crops. Isolated hail events in August damaged parts of the South and Central regions but had limited overall impact on the provincial harvest.

The combination of favourable yields, uneven progress, and challenging weather patterns has shaped a complex harvest season for Alberta farmers in 2025.