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Alberta’s latest crop report shows better than average yields for southern Alberta farmers

Alberta’s latest crop report shows better than average yields for southern Alberta farmers

According to the latest harvest in Alberta report By 2024, 99.9 percent of the crops in the southern region will have been harvested.

The only things still coming out of the ground are bags of rapeseed, flax and sugar beets.

Despite the pessimism heading into the growing season, farmers were pleasantly surprised by the amount of rain they received.

“This spring we were rationed on irrigation water, so it was very concerning for us,” said Gary Stanford, who farms outside Magrath.

“Then we got a lot of rain, which relieved pressure on the irrigation system.”

While dryland crops suffered from the heat of July and August, major crop yields in the southern region rose 12.4 percent compared to the five-year average.

“The July heat has damaged some crops, especially canola,” Stanford said. “So the dryland would be a little bit below average, but in this area here overall I would say we’re happy with the yields we’ve received this year.”

Now that this harvest season is coming to an end, attention shifts to next year.

Farmers are hoping for a cold and snowy winter to help replenish reservoirs.

With a La Niña winter approaching, a wet winter is becoming more likely.

“That gives us a little more guidance when it comes to our seasonal forecasts,” said Alysa Pederson, a meteorologist with warning preparedness at Environment and Climate Change Canada.

The Farmers’ Almanac also predicts a cold and snowy winter.

It gives some producers hope for next growing season.

“We were all pleasantly surprised that the Farmers’ Almanac said it was going to be colder and more snow. And that’s actually very good for the farmers. It helps to remove some of the insects from the soil. And it helps us too, care for some more fluid,” Stanford said.

The Oldman Reservoir is currently 60 percent full, which is just below the normal range for this time of year.

The St. Mary and Waterton reservoirs are both within their normal range.