This forecast period starts with a broad, cool area of high pressure stretching across the Prairie provinces. The cool air combined with strong mid-summer sunshine is leading to partly cloudy skies along with the odd shower or thundershower.

Prairie forecast: Seasonably cool with chances of precipitation
Forecast issued July 16, covering July 16 to 23, 2025

Klassen: Western Canadian calf markets surge on New World screwworm fears
For the week ending July 12, Western Canadian yearling markets traded steady to $5 higher compared to seven days earlier. Calves weighing 550-800 pounds were quoted $5 lower to as much as $10 higher.

Prairie forecast: Potential to turn cool and wet
Forecast issued July 9, covering July 9 to 16, 2025
For this forecast period we are starting off with a large area of high pressure over Ontario and an equally large area of low pressure over the Yukon. The clockwise flow around the Ontario high, combined with the counterclockwise flow around the Yukon low, is creating a widespread southerly flow across the Prairies. This should lead to one more day of warm temperatures across the western Prairies and a couple more days over the eastern half.

Mid-June rain a ‘godsend’ but forage growers manage expectations
Rain was plentiful in some areas — spotty in others
Reading Time: 4 minutes Although chunks of Alberta got some major rainfall the weekend of July 21-22, the jury’s still out on whether it will make a difference to what has so far been a mediocre year for hay.

Agriculture students learn farm machinery operation risk-free with tech
Northwestern Polytechnic uses computerized simulator to even playing field for less-experienced students
Reading Time: 3 minutes Students at Northwestern Polytechnic are using technology to enhance their education, utilizing farm equipment simulators for a hands-on experience without having to leave the classroom.

Klassen: Feeder market may have overextended to the upside
For the week ending July 4, there were no feeder cattle sales in Western Canada due to holidays on July 1 and July 4. Major auction markets in the U.S. were also closed or had limited numbers on offer. Prices quoted from south of the border were steady to $4 higher on average but the market was hard to define.

Tara Sawyer, former Alberta Grains chair, wins provincial byelection
Sawyer far outpaces nearest NDP competitor for MLA seat
Reading Time: < 1 minute Tara Sawyer, former chair of Alberta Grains, has been elected to the provincial legislature in the riding of Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills.

Prairie forecast: Stormy start to the west, summer heat to the east
Forecast issued July 2, covering July 2 to 9, 2025
We start this forecast period with warm high pressure in place across the eastern Prairies and a developing area of low pressure over Alberta.

Federal byelection called in Alberta’s Battle River-Crowfoot riding
Conservative leader Poilievre to to be on ballot after MP resigns seat
A federal byelection has been called in the Alberta riding of Battle River-Crowfoot where Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre will seek to regain a seat in Parliament.

Alberta Crop Report: Conditions improve
Crop conditions still behind historical averages
Crop conditions improved in Alberta during the week ended June 24, but they are still behind historical averages.