According to the latest Alberta Crop Report (June 17, 2025), crop conditions across Alberta remain below historical averages, with only 50% rated good to excellent—well under the five- and ten-year averages of 71% and 70%, respectively. While recent rainfall has improved moisture levels in some regions, dryland crops and pastures, particularly in the South, continue to show signs of stress.
Crop Progress
Major crops are advancing quickly, with spring cereals nearing stem elongation and fall-seeded crops entering flowering. Canola and dry peas are progressing rapidly in the South, with 40% of canola in the rosette stage and 5% flowering. However, crop ratings remain subdued:
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Canola: 45% good to excellent
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Spring Wheat: 51%
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Barley: 51%
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Dry Peas: 52%
The Peace Region reports the lowest overall crop condition at 26%, while the North East leads at 59%.
Pest Activity and Spraying
Post-emergent spraying is 66% complete across the province—well ahead of the five-year average of 49%. Pest pressure remains low overall, with 86% of fields showing minimal grasshopper activity. Flea beetles are more active in the South, affecting 7% of fields.
Moisture Conditions
Rainfall ranged from 2–10 mm in most regions, with the Peace Region receiving 30–50 mm. As a result, surface moisture rated good to excellent has risen to 37% (up 17% from last week), and sub-surface moisture is at 38% (up 11%). However, moisture levels remain below normal.
Pasture and Hay
Pasture and tame hay growth remain limited due to early-season dryness. Pasture conditions are rated 41% good to excellent (up 4% from last week), while tame hay declined to 38%. Regional pasture conditions vary:
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Best: North West (61% good to excellent)
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Most stressed: Peace (27%) and North East (32%)
Early hay cutting has started in dry areas of the South and Central regions.
Regional Summary
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South: Crops progressing under stress; soil moisture remains low at 25% rated good to excellent. Pest concerns include flea beetles and cutworms.
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Central: Crop conditions at 53%; recent storms helped, but pasture and hay remain under pressure.
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North East: Moisture improved slightly, but crop and forage growth still limited.
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North West: Better pasture and hay conditions; crop ratings remain below average.
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Peace: Significant rain helped moisture levels, but crop ratings remain the lowest in the province.
While recent precipitation is welcome, continued rainfall is needed to support crop recovery and pasture regrowth in the weeks ahead.
