By Alice McFarlane

Combines roll as the Alberta harvest officially begins

Aug 21, 2024 | 11:25 AM

It’s a busy and important time for Alberta’s agricultural sector as farmers are working to maximize yields and safely take off their crops.

While it is very early in the harvest season, Alberta’s crop reports indicate the Peace and South Regions are currently expecting above-average yields while the Northwest is on par with the five-year averages. The Central and Northeast Regions are expecting yields to be slightly below their five-year average.

Farmers faced many challenges this year due to drought concerns, late spring rains and hot sunny days. Agriculture and Irrigation Minister RJ Sigurdson said, fortunately, Alberta farmers are resilient.

“Fall is one of the busiest times of year for farmers and harvest means long days in the fields,” he said. “Thank you to our province’s dedicated farmers and ranchers who work tirelessly to put food on tables here at home and around the globe.”

First cut dryland hay is complete and averaged 1.5 tons per acre, above the historical averages, with the highest yields in the Northwest and Northeast Regions.

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About half of Alberta producers expect a second cut of hay, with 16 per cent already cut. Irrigated first cut hay in the South averaged 2.6 tons per acre and the second cut is half done.

Safety remains a priority for farmers especially when operating machinery. It is also crucial for Albertans to be cautious and patient on roads and highways. Albertans will see more combines and grain trucks on the move this time of year and should give farmers extra space as they transport equipment from field to field.

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alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @farmnewsNOW