Following this week’s snow storm throughout the province, crop specialists say there was little impact on harvesting in Central Alberta.

In fact, 87 per cent of crops are harvested in this part of the province, about 10 per cent higher than the five-year average.

Crop Specialist with Alberta Agriculture and Forestry Mark Cutts explains the increase.

“It was a little bit dryer and a little bit warmer compared to normal conditions. It basically allowed the crops to mature a little bit quicker and combining and harvesting on the crops were started earlier.”

“With that early start they were able to get ahead of the normal timing for combining and it’s remained that way for the last month or so.”

Of every area hit with the storm, Cutts says the eastern part of Central Alberta was probably affected the most.

“Road conditions out east were troublesome and shutting down of highways. I haven’t heard what’s still out there for snow, but we’ve had some nice temperatures so hopefully any snow that did accumulate is off the fields.”

“You might still see some in the ditches, but hopefully the fields are snow-free and they’ll be able to be combining.”

Cutts said, barring bad weather, harvesting could be finished in the next week or two.