The Government of Alberta is wishing producers good luck as harvest operations have officially begun in parts of the province.
Farmers have faced many challenges this year due to drought concerns, late spring rains and a hot and dry summer.
Early data shows that yields are in line with historical averages.
The Government of Alberta encourages prioritizing safety this season, including maintaining vigilance when operating machinery.
It is also crucial for drivers to be cautious when coming across farm equipment on the road.
While still being very early in the 2024 harvest season, Alberta’s crop reports indicate that the Peace and South Regions are currently expecting above-average yields while the Northwest is on par with the five-year averages.
Current data indicates the Central and Northeast Regions are expecting yields to be slightly below their five-year average.
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.
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.