L-R: Minister Dreeshen, Kelly-Smith Fraser, Kristine Smith and Aubrey Smith Fraser (front) with Nuhaven Cattle Co. (Supplied by Government of Alberta)

By David Opinko

Agriculture leading Alberta’s economic recovery, several records to be broken this year

Sep 28, 2020 | 12:31 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The Government of Alberta says a combination of crop yields and cattle prices are pulling a lot of weight this year.

Crop yields are estimated to hit a record-high in Alberta with farmers harvesting more than seven per cent above normal levels.

READ MORE: Southern Alberta farmers leading province in crop harvest

Livestock market sales are set to reach a new record-high of $6.9-billion.

As well, the food processing sector will reportedly achieve a new record of products totalling $14.8-billion.

Week-in-review: Federal Budget, water agreements and success for tourism industry

Apr 20, 2024

What's Happening in Lethbridge this weekend: April 19, 2024

Apr 19, 2024

What's Happening in Lethbridge this week: April 15, 2024

Apr 15, 2024

“Alberta has a proud history of resilient, innovative farmers, food processors and ranchers who have overcome some of the toughest conditions. From our world-famous Alberta beef to high-quality hard red spring wheat, Alberta’s agriculture sector is an economic highlight during these tough times,” says Agriculture and Forestry Minister Devin Dreeshen. “They are well-positioned to compete internationally and to feed the world. Regardless of the challenges thrown at our farmers and ranchers, they will persevere.”

The provincial government also talked about the sustainable practices that many farms in Alberta employ, of which they have become a global leader.

Agriculture in Alberta is set to be a major contributor to post-COVID-19 economic recovery and growth.

“We continue to see stable cattle markets following the disruption earlier this year due to COVID-19, and hope to see prices hold steady through the fall,” says Kelly Smith-Fraser, Chair of Alberta Beef Producers. “Alberta’s processing sector continues to see consistent flow of production and strong capacity, due in large part to the hard-working plant employees. This pandemic has reminded us that Alberta’s beef industry never fails to demonstrate strength and resilience through challenging times.”

More than 21 per cent of all Canadian foods that are exported internationally come from Alberta.

The agri-food sector in the province contributes $9.2-billion in GDP and employs more than 77,000 Albertans.

Food and beverage manufacturing was the second-largest manufacturing industry in Alberta last year behind only petroleum and coal product manufacturing.