Agricultural Regions in Alberta

Alberta is Canada’s fourth largest province encompassing 661,848 km² of diverse geography and climate, facilitating a rich agricultural industry. Agricultural Regions in Alberta includes field crop cultivation, livestock rearing, horticulture, and specialty farming ventures. Alberta has some of the largest confined feedlot operations in Canada. Here’s an overview of the agricultural regions in Alberta, providing a summary of the various farming opportunities available across the province.

Where is there farming in Alberta?

1. Central Alberta: This region benefits from fertile soil and a relatively temperate climate, making it conducive to a wide range of agricultural activities. Field crops like wheat, barley, and canola are extensively grown here, alongside thriving livestock operations, particularly cattle ranching.

2. Southern Alberta: Southern Alberta is one of the largest, most fertile and productive agricultural regions in Canada. Agriculture in this region is supported by 13 irrigation districts. Crops grown in this region include: Spring & Durum Wheat, Canola, Barley, Forage crops (alfalfa), Sugar Beets, Potatoes, Corn, Pulse Crops (beans, peas and lentils) and Honey.

3. Northern Alberta: Despite its shorter growing season and colder temperatures, Northern Alberta supports significant agricultural activities. Here, farmers cultivate crops like wheat, oats, barley, hay and canola, adapting to the region’s unique climatic conditions. Livestock farming, particularly in the form of cattle ranching, is also possible in this rugged terrain.

What Field Crops are grown in Alberta?

1. Wheat, Barley, and Canola: These staple crops form the backbone of Alberta’s agricultural sector, with extensive cultivation across various regions of the province. The fertile soils and favorable climate conditions contribute to high yields and quality produce.

2. Pulses: Alberta’s agricultural landscape includes the cultivation of pulses such as peas and lentils, offering valuable rotational crops and contributing to the diversity of agricultural outputs.

Horticulture Farming in Alberta

1. Fruit Orchards: Despite the challenges posed by Alberta’s climate, certain regions, such as the Okanagan Valley, are known for their fruit orchards, producing apples, cherries, and other fruits suited to the local conditions.

2. Greenhouse Cultivation: In response to Alberta’s climate limitations, greenhouse cultivation plays a crucial role in horticulture farming. Tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers are among the greenhouse-grown vegetables that thrive in controlled environments, providing year-round produce to local markets.

3. Nursery Industry: Alberta’s greenhouse industry is ranked fourth in the country after Ontario, British Columbia and Quebec. It contributes to horticulture farming by supplying a wide variety of ornamental plants, trees, and shrubs for landscaping and decorative purposes.

What Types of Livestock Farming is there in Alberta?

1. Cattle Ranching: Alberta’s expansive grasslands are ideal for cattle ranching, with the province being a leading producer of beef in Canada. Various regions, including the foothills and Northern Alberta, support extensive cattle operations and feedlots.

2. Dairy Farming: Dairy farming is a significant agricultural activity in Alberta, with dairy farms located primarily in regions like Central Alberta and the northern parts of the province.

3. Poultry and Pig Farming: Alberta’s livestock industry encompasses poultry and pig farming, with commercial operations distributed throughout the province, particularly in areas like Southern Alberta and the Central region.

4. Specialty Livestock: In addition to conventional livestock farming, Alberta is home to operations specializing in goats, bison, and other non-traditional livestock species, catering to niche markets and unique farming ventures.

5. Bees: Alberta is Canada’s largest honey producer and the third largest producer of honey in North America. Raw honey from Alfalfa clover is known for its subtle, light flavour and golden colour and is highly sought after.

Common Agriculture Jobs in Alberta

• Feedlot Worker
• Crop Technician
• Livestock Supervisor
• Agricultural Equipment Operator
• Irrigation Specialist
• Dairy Herdsman/Herder
• Greenhouse Technician
• Poultry Farm Attendant
• Vineyard Worker
• Agricultural Researcher