Farm cash receipts are used to show the cash income from selling crops or animal products, as well as any agricultural subsidies or supports. In 2015, these receipts reached a new high of $13.6 billion, up 5.1% from 2014. During that period, Alberta led the nation with $5.2 billion in cattle and calf market receipts. Lamb receipts grew by 36.7%. Food and beverage manufacturing sales posted a record $14.6 billion or 21.5% of total manufactured goods. Meat product manufacturing, including poultry, led the sector. Alberta agri-food exports increased by 4.5% in 2015, with sales to China growing by 19.5%. A stronger U.S. economy and a weaker Canadian dollar led to greater American demand and higher prices for Alberta beef and live cattle.
Income from crops rose from its slump in 2015, and grew by 2.8%. Lentils and dried peas — which are staples during an economic downturn — grew by 117.7% and 13.4% respectively. Rain and snow during the 2016 harvest season caused about 960,000 acres of crops to stay on the field. This meant that producers received $33.2 million in advances from the provincial Agriculture Financial Services Corporation.