Edmonton (Rajeev Sharma): As Alberta’s 2025 harvest season draws to a close, Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation RJ Sigurdson commended the province’s farmers for their determination and hard work throughout a challenging growing year.
In a statement issued Monday, Minister Sigurdson highlighted the dedication of Alberta’s producers, whose efforts continue to make the province a global leader in agricultural quality and innovation.
“We applaud our producers’ dedication to growing the high-quality agricultural products people around the world enjoy as they gather and create memories over the food we produce right here in Alberta,” Sigurdson said.
Dry Weather and Swift Harvest
Favourable weather late in the season — characterized by hot, dry conditions through summer and early fall — allowed for a quick and efficient harvest. However, those same conditions have left many regions facing dry soil levels heading into winter, raising concerns about next year’s growing conditions.
“For some areas of the province, 2025 was a difficult growing season, and most parts are entering winter with dry soil conditions,” Sigurdson noted. “We are hopeful for above-average winter snowfall and the spring rains needed to replenish soil moisture and support crop growth in 2026.”
Looking Ahead to 2026
The minister acknowledged that while this year’s harvest was largely successful in terms of pace and quality, moisture shortages remain a key challenge. Alberta’s agricultural sector, he emphasized, continues to rely on both innovation and resilience to adapt to shifting weather patterns and economic pressures.
“Alberta producers are resilient, dedicated, and resourceful,” Sigurdson said. “They work constantly to face challenges head-on and drive sustainable growth in our agriculture sector. Congratulations to farmers on another successful harvest!”
Background
The 2025 season marked another year of climate-related variability across Alberta, with some southern and central regions reporting lower yields due to dry conditions, while others saw above-average productivity. Despite these disparities, analysts have praised producers for efficient crop management and the province’s continued investment in irrigation and drought-mitigation infrastructure.
