A new report shows yields are above the five-year average in southern Alberta. (Photo: Orientaly | Dreamstime.com)

By David Opinko

Yields up in southern Alberta farms

Oct 3, 2024 | 12:47 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Although it has been a challenging season for farmers in the region due to weather, many have experienced higher-than-average yields.

That is according to the latest Alberta Crop Report, which looks at the conditions as of September 24, 2024.

It says 85.7 per cent of crops in the southern region have been combined, which is slightly higher than the five-year average and about eight per cent above the 10-year average.

That includes all dry peas, 95.7 per cent of barley and 94.8 per cent of oats.

The progress in harvesting comes despite recent rainfall that slowed their efforts down.

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The report states that yields in southern Alberta are up 19 per cent compared to the five-year average.

“Estimates indicate that approximately 76 per cent of hard red spring wheat, 65 per cent of durum wheat, and 67 per cent of oats are grading in the top two grades,” reads a portion of the Alberta Crop Report. “Around 27 per cent of barley qualifies for Malt, while 36 per cent is grading as 1 C.W. For canola, 58 per cent is achieving a 1 Can., with 31 per cent grading as 2 Can.”

The full Alberta Crop Report can be found on the Government of Alberta website.

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