Overview
Alberta’s agricultural sector is entering the 2025 growing season with renewed optimism, driven by improved moisture conditions, significant government investment, and early, rapid seeding progress. After several challenging years, the province is positioned for a potentially strong crop year, though some crop-specific acreage shifts and market uncertainties remain351.
Crop-Specific Outlook
| Crop | 2025 Alberta Outlook | Acreage Change vs. 2024 | Key Drivers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wheat | Strong growth, especially spring wheat | +6.6% (8.4M acres) | High global demand, favorable conditions |
| Canola | Declining acreage | -4.3% (6.1M acres) | Lower profitability, crop rotation |
| Barley | Decreasing acreage | -5.6% (3.3M acres) | Market and rotation considerations |
| Lentils | Moderate increase | +4.1% (582,900 acres) | Crop rotation, market opportunities |
| Dry Peas | Significant increase | +9.5% (nationally) | Strong returns, favorable conditions |
| Oats | Stable to slightly increasing | Not specified | Low stocks, favorable market |
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Wheat: Alberta farmers are expected to plant 8.4 million acres, up 6.6% from 2024, with spring wheat leading the increase (+8.0%). This is largely due to robust global demand and improved field conditions24.
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Canola: Acreage is forecast to drop by 4.3% to 6.1 million acres, reflecting lower profitability and crop rotation needs24.
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Barley: Plantings are expected to decrease by 5.6%, down to 3.3 million acres, as producers shift focus to other crops24.
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Lentils: Alberta is bucking the national trend with a 4.1% increase in lentil acreage, reaching about 582,900 acres24.
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Dry Peas: Acreage is set to rise sharply, up 9.5% nationally, as returns remain attractive compared to other crops24.
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Oats: Oat area is expected to rise nationally (+2.7%), likely benefiting Alberta as well due to low stocks and favorable markets24.
Planting and Field Conditions
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As of mid-May, seeding progress for major crops in Alberta was at 47%, well ahead of the five-year average of 26%. Crop emergence is also ahead of historical averages, indicating favorable early-season conditions5.
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Southern Alberta, in particular, has entered the season with good moisture and largely free from major drought, although some reservoirs remain below normal levels3.
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Early precipitation events in central and northern regions have slowed seeding in some areas, but overall, the province is ahead of schedule5.
Policy and Investment Support
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The Alberta government has allocated new funding in its 2025 budget, including $1.8 million for crop research and $780,000 for innovation, aiming to boost productivity, resilience, and long-term sector growth1.
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Investments in infrastructure and support for small and medium-sized agricultural businesses are expected to further strengthen the sector’s outlook1.
Market and Risk Factors
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Planting decisions are being shaped by crop prices, rotation needs, and ongoing market volatility, including potential trade tensions with the United States4.
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While overall prospects are positive, weather conditions through the summer and global market shifts will remain critical variables.
Summary
Alberta’s agricultural crops in 2025 are poised for a productive year, with wheat, lentils, and dry peas seeing notable acreage increases, while canola and barley are set to decline. Early-season field conditions are favorable, seeding is ahead of schedule, and new government investments are supporting innovation and resilience. However, market dynamics and weather will continue to influence final outcomes2351.
- https://abpdaily.com/news/albertas-2025-budget-allocations-for-agriculture/
- https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/250312/dq250312b-eng.htm
- https://www.futureag.ca/post/farm-equipment-red-deer
- https://m.farms.com/ag-industry-news/farmer-planting-decisions-for-2025-taking-shape-642.aspx
- https://www.saddlehills.ab.ca/news/posts/alberta-crop-report-may-13-2025/
- https://open.alberta.ca/publications/2830245
- https://www.alberta.ca/crop-reporting-program-kicks-off-for-the-2025-growing-season
- https://agriculture.canada.ca/en/sector/crops/reports-statistics/canada-outlook-principal-field-crops-2025-05-21?wbdisable=true
- https://okotoksonline.com/articles/alberta-now-has-23-per-cent-of-the-2025-crop-in-the-ground
- https://agriculture.canada.ca/en/sector/crops/reports-statistics/canada-outlook-principal-field-crops-2025-05-21
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