Seeding across the province has passed the halfway mark, but producers remain behind the normal pace as variable spring weather continues to create challenges.
As of May 19, seeding for all crops is 53 per cent complete, compared to the five-year average of 61 per cent and the ten-year average of 59 per cent.
Cool temperatures, strong winds, frost, and uneven precipitation have all played a role in slowing field operations and early crop development.
South Leads While Northern Regions Fall Behind
There is a significant regional divide in seeding progress across the province.
The South is the most advanced at nearly 80 per cent complete, followed by the Central region at about 59 per cent.
In contrast, progress in the North East, North West, and Peace regions remains well behind. Excess moisture has limited field access in some areas, while cool and windy conditions have slowed drying and planting in others.
Crop Progress Varies by Type
Among major crops, spring wheat and dry peas are the furthest along in seeding progress.
However, canola and oats continue to lag due to delays in getting fields seeded.
Overall crop emergence is also behind normal, sitting at 13 per cent compared to the five-year average of 20 per cent. Spring cereals are mostly in early development stages, ranging from emergence to the one- to three-leaf stage.
Fall-seeded crops are more advanced and are currently rated 63 per cent good to excellent.
Moisture Conditions Remain Uneven
Moisture levels across Alberta continue to vary widely by region.
Recent rainfall provided some relief in parts of the province, particularly in areas that received moderate to heavier precipitation. However, sections of the South and Central regions saw little rainfall and continue to experience dry surface conditions.
Provincially, surface moisture is rated 55 per cent good and 12 per cent excellent, though pockets of poor and fair conditions persist. Sub-surface moisture conditions have declined slightly overall, except in parts of the Peace and North East where slight improvements were reported.
Forage Conditions Showing Improvement
Pasture and tame hay conditions are gradually improving following a slow start to the growing season.
Provincially, pasture is rated 55 per cent good, with the strongest conditions reported in the Central and South regions.
However, variability remains an issue, particularly in the Peace region where conditions are still weaker compared to the rest of the province.
Outlook Hinges on Warmer Weather
Producers are expecting seeding progress to accelerate in the coming weeks, provided weather conditions improve.
Warmer temperatures and more consistent rainfall will be key to supporting uniform crop emergence, improving soil moisture conditions, and boosting forage growth.
For now, farmers remain cautiously optimistic as the 2026 growing season continues to develop under mixed conditions.
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