A new report states that dry weather this year led to below-average yields in southern Alberta farms. (Photo: Nuvista | Dreamstime.com)

By David Opinko

Southern Alberta farmers wrap up harvest with lower-than-average yields

Oct 10, 2023 | 6:32 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – With the harvest in the region now nearly complete, a new report confirms that it was indeed a tough year for farmers.

The Government of Alberta has released its latest Alberta Crop Report, which details conditions as of Tuesday, October 3, 2023.

It shows the harvest in the south region was completed earlier than other areas due to dry conditions.

Approximately 98.2 per cent of all crops had been harvested as of early last week in southern Alberta, compared to the provincial average of 88.3 per cent.

The report stated that 41.5 per cent of surface soil had a moisture rating of “poor,” compared to the five-year average of 19.1 per cent. Another 51.2 per cent received ratings of “fair” and just 7.3 per cent was considered “good,” while the five-year averages were 27.3 per cent and 39.9 per cent respectively.

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No areas in the south region had “excellent” levels of soil moisture this year.

Throughout the entire spring and summer, several communities had advised of droughts.

The Town and Municipal District of Pincher Creek, for example, said on September 13 that officials were no longer able to pump water from the Oldman reservoir and resorted to shipping water into the area via hauling trucks. As well, dry weather had forced at least 15 declarations of agricultural disasters in Alberta this year.

READ MORE: Pincher Creek unable to pump water from the Oldman reservoir

This resulted in crop yields that were just 66.9 per cent of the five-year average in southern Alberta. Yields in the five major crop categories, listed in terms of bushels per acre, were as follows:

• Spring wheat:
  • South: 24.8
  • Provincial: 42.5
• Barley:
  • South: 31.2
  • Provincial: 60.7
• Oats:
  • South: 31.8
  • Provincial: 81.6
• Canola:
  • South: 19
  • Provincial: 36
• Dry peas:
  • South: 22.8
  • Provincial: 34.6

The provincial average is just below the norm with a five-year yield index of 93.6 per cent. Farms in the northeast and northwest outperformed the average in terms of yields.

The full Alberta Crop Report can be accessed on the Government of Alberta’s website.

READ MORE: Lethbridge News Now

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