Alberta crop quality tops five-year average
Alberta’s crop producers have shown resiliency and determination despite extremely dry conditions as a result of recording-setting heat throughout the summer months.
Alberta’s final Crop Report of the 2021 growing season indicated significantly lower yields – about 37 per cent below the five-year averages.
Despite these lower yields, overall quality for all crops was above the five-year averages, with the exception of malting barley and oats.
In addition, farmers across the province were three to four weeks ahead in harvesting this fall due to favourable harvest conditions.
“The drought this year hurt our farmers and ranchers but their hard work and hope for a ‘better year next year’ is what built up our world-class agriculture sector.” - Devin Dreeshen, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry
Supports for producers
Agriculture Financial Services Corporation (AFSC) continues to provide much-needed business risk management tools to producers facing adverse conditions.
The AgriInsurance program offered a 20 per cent discount for the 2021 crop year. As the growing season progressed, it became clear this discount would help ease some of the financial burden on producers facing adverse conditions.
Seeking producer input
AFSC is holding virtual Input Advisory Group meetings Nov. 1-10 to gather feedback on potential changes to Moisture Deficiency Insurance.
The virtual meetings will focus on how to account for extreme heat events and changing weather patterns and how to make the program more reflective of what happens on the insured fields. The deadline to sign up is Oct. 27.
Quick facts
The Alberta Crop Report is developed through a partnership between Agriculture and Forestry, AFSC and the Alberta Association of Agricultural Fieldmen.
As of Oct. 12, harvest progress was 99 per cent complete provincially, well ahead of the five-year average of 71 per cent and the 10-year average of 81 per cent.
The northwest region had the highest yields (20 per cent below the five-year averages).
The south region had the lowest yields (56 per cent below the five-year averages).
The Alberta Crop Reporting Program has delivered timely information on crop production since 1940.
AFSC’s current suite of business risk management programs serves producers faced by adverse conditions, providing needed financial support.
The suite, which includes AgriRecovery, AgriInsurance, AgriStability and AgriInvest, is designed to respond to each producer’s unique situation and offset the financial impacts of weather-related challenges.
In January 2021, Alberta’s government announced a 20 per cent reduction in insurance premiums, which has saved farmers and ranchers $70 million.
Agriculture and Forestry provides online information and tools to help with on-farm business management and production issues during dry conditions and periods of business stress.
