Major crop emergence at 92 per cent in Central Alberta

Published 1:38 pm Monday, June 15, 2026

Seeding progress is complete for Central Alberta farmers.

As of June 9, 100 per cent of crops have been planted in the Central Region, according to the latest Alberta Crop Report.

Crop emergence saw a significant increase over the past week. About 92 per cent of major crops have emerged, which is a 20 percentage-point increase from the week prior. The five-year average is 93.1 per cent and 10-year average is 90.6 per cent.

“Over the past week, Alberta received widespread and frequent soaking rains,” the report stated, adding this precipitation has helped to maintain or improve soil moisture reserves in most regions and supported crop emergence.

In the Central Region, emergence is reported at 100 per cent for dry peas, followed by 98 per cent for spring wheat, 91 per cent for barley, 89 per cent for oats and 82 per cent for canola.

Provincial emergence of major crops is reported at 80 per cent, which is below the five-year average of 88 per cent.

“Despite cooler temperatures accompanying the frequent rainfall across the province, crop development continues to progress this week,” the report noted.

“The spring cereals of wheat, barley and oats are the most advanced in the South Region, ranging from the mid-to-late-tillering stage. These crops are slightly less developed in the North East, North West and Peace regions where growth stages currently range from two-leaf to eight-leaf. All regions expect crop development to advance significantly once temperatures increase.”

Provincial sub-surface moisture good-to-excellent ratings were reported as 79 per cent, which is well above the five-year average of 45 per cent and the 10-year average of 58 per cent. In the Central Region, sub-surface moisture is 2 per cent poor, 15 per cent fair, 70 per cent good, 10 per cent excellent and three per cent excessive.

The majority of provincial pasture conditions are currently considered as “good.” The provincial good-to-excellent pasture growth rating is 70 per cent, which is above both the five-year average of 49 per cent and the 10-year average of 59 per cent. Regionally, good-to-excellent pasture growth ratings (change from last week) are reported at 63 (up six) per cent for the South Region, 72 (up eight) per cent for the Central Region, 90 (up 20) per cent for the North East Region, 84 (up 10) per cent for the North West Region, and 30 (up two) per cent for the Peace Region.

Tame hay growth conditions have improved compared to last week with the provincial good-to-excellent rating at 65 per cent, which is above both the 5-year average of 50 per cent and the 10-year average of 60 per cent. Conditions of tame hay in the Central Region are reported as 6 per cent poor, 37 per cent fair, 52 per cent good and four per cent excellent.