Early estimates point to above-average harvest for Alberta crop producers
By ANNA SMITH Local Journalism Initiative on August 21, 2024.
asmith@medicinehatnews.com With harvest season officially begun throughout Alberta, the province issued a statement to wish farmers a safe, successful and productive season. The agricultural sector faced many challenges this year with drought concerns, as well as late spring rains and high temperatures. “Fortunately, Alberta farmers are resilient and early reports show that yields are in line with historical averages,” said the province. “Fall is one of the busiest times of year for farmers and harvest means long days in the fields,” said RJ Sigurdson, Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation. “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.” They urge patience from Alberta drivers as the first stages of the season are underway, as it will see an increased number of combines and grain trucks on roadways as they move from field to field. Safety remains of utmost importance to producers as they operate this vital machinery. “While it is very early in the 2024 harvest season, Alberta’s crop reports indicate that the Peace and South Regions are currently expecting above-average yields,” said the province. They continued that in many areas, yields are on par with or above historical averages. First cut dryland hay is complete and averaged 1.5 tonnes per acre throughout the province, above the historical averages, while half of producers expect a second cut. Here in the south, irrigated hay averaged 2.6 tonnes per acre, and the second cut is halfway complete. 9-8
