Harvest Season a celebration of excellence and economic strength

By Lethbridge Herald on September 13, 2025.

Nathan Neudorf
Lethbridge East MLA

As the combines begin their steady march across golden fields, and the scent of freshly turned earth fills the air, Lethbridge enters one of its most iconic and inspiring seasons: harvest. 

For many, it’s a beautiful sight. For our community, it’s a powerful reminder of who we are and what we do best.

Southern Alberta is home to some of the finest farmers in the world. Their expertise, innovation, and resilience have made Lethbridge County the most agriculturally-productive municipality in Alberta, generating over $2.2 billion in gross farm receipts annually. This isn’t just a rural story, it’s a Lethbridge story. Agriculture is woven into the fabric of our city’s economy, culture, and identity.

With nearly one million acres of irrigated land, our region produces a stunning variety of crops, including potatoes, sugar beets, pulses, and barley, along with over 65 specialty crops. This bounty feeds families across Canada and around the world, and fuels a thriving agri-food sector with more than 120 processing businesses. Major employers like McCain, Cavendish Farms, and Maple Leaf Foods have chosen Lethbridge because of our consistent, high-quality yields.

The story doesn’t end in the fields. Livestock operations – particularly beef feedlots – contribute nearly 80 per cent of our agricultural economic output, which makes southern Alberta a powerhouse in Canada’s food supply chain. These operations rely on the grain grown in our region, creating a tightly integrated system that supports jobs, innovation, and investment.

The ripple effects of harvest season are felt throughout Lethbridge. From trucking companies and equipment dealers to researchers at Lethbridge Polytechnic and the University of Lethbridge, agriculture drives opportunity and growth. The Agri-Food Hub & Trade Centre is a testament to our commitment to excellence, collaboration, and global leadership in food production.

Watching the combines roll across the horizon isn’t just a picturesque moment—it’s a symbol of progress. It’s the culmination of months of planning, hard work, and hope. It’s a reminder that in Lethbridge, we don’t just grow crops—we grow communities, careers, and futures.

So, as you drive past the fields this fall, take a moment to appreciate the incredible work happening all around us. Honk your horn for the harvest crews, wave to the grain truck drivers, and know that you’re witnessing something extraordinary. This is Lethbridge at its finest—rooted in tradition, driven by innovation, and proud of the land that sustains us all.