Combining is nearly finished across Central Alberta, with about 85 per cent of major crops harvested by the end of September. The pace is consistent with long-term averages and higher than many recent seasons, reflecting a productive stretch of weather that allowed farmers to make strong progress.

Harvest advanced by 14 percentage points over the previous week, with provincial totals reaching 89 per cent, up 12 points in the same period. Cereals are almost entirely off the fields, with spring wheat and barley both at 96 per cent combined and oats at 91 per cent. Canola is progressing more slowly, with 77 per cent completed, while the remainder is either still standing or drying in swaths.

Recent dry conditions have made harvest work easier but placed strain on soil moisture levels. Both surface and sub-surface moisture ratings across Alberta have fallen sharply, with only a small share of fields rated in good to excellent condition. In the Central region, the situation is more pronounced, with just a small percentage of soil moisture meeting favourable standards.

Pastures have suffered under the same conditions, with only a fraction rated as good to excellent. Many livestock producers have already moved cattle off pastures and started supplemental feeding earlier than usual. Additional precipitation before the ground freezes would help promote fall regrowth and replenish reserves for next spring.

With cereal crops nearly finished, attention is turning to wrapping up canola and preparing fields for winter. Despite challenges with moisture and pasture conditions, producers remain on track to complete harvest soon and transition into post-harvest work ahead of colder weather.