Saskatchewan farmers battle with Mother Nature to seed 2026 crop

Rain and strong wind forced farmers to delay seeding and spraying plans for a few days last week.

Despite the challenging weather conditions, 13 per cent of the provincial crop was seeded last week—bringing the overall total to 29 per cent, according to the Saskatchewan Agriculture weekly crop report. That is well behind the ten-year average of 52 percent.

Byron Horvath farms in the Raymore area—about an hour and twenty minutes north of Regina.

Breaking down the seeding progress by region, the southwest is furthest advanced at 55 percent. The southeast is next at 41 percent with west-central at 30 percent. Northwest checks in at 16 percent seeded, east-central is 11 percent complete and the northeast is only three percent seeded.

THe problem in the northeast and east-central regions are water on the field, not to mention issues with roads and culverts.

Noel McAvena is the Executive Director of the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency.

Getting back to seeding—53 per cent of peas and lentils have been planted, along with 49 per cent of durum, 27 per cent of barley, spring wheat is at 25 per cent with canola at 15 per cent seeded. Check out the full Saskatchewan Agriculture weekly crop report below:

Seeding progress is most advanced for pulse crops, including lentils and field peas, while cereals and oilseed crops continue to make steady gains in seeded acreage.

Cereal crops

49 per cent for durum;
34 per cent for triticale;
27 per cent for barley;
25 per cent for spring wheat;
15 per cent for canary seed; and
11 per cent for oats.

Pulse crops

53 per cent for field peas and lentils; and
40 per cent for chickpeas.

Oilseed crops

30 per cent for mustard;
21 per cent for flax; and
15 per cent canola.

Perennial forages

15 per cent.

Seeder in a field. Text indicates harvest progress in Saskatchewan

Considerable rainfall was recorded in several parts of the province. The highest reported rainfall was in the Dundurn area at 83 millimetres (mm), followed by the North Battleford area at around 82 mm and the Big Arm area at 68 mm.

Widespread precipitation increased topsoil moisture recharge across the province. This improvement is expected to benefit crop development, as well as hay and pasture conditions. Topsoil moisture conditions across the province were reported as follows.

Cropland topsoil moisture is:

27 per cent surplus;
67 per cent adequate;
Five per cent short; and
One per cent very short.

Hayland topsoil moisture is:

19 per cent surplus;
72 per cent adequate; and
Nine per cent short.

Pasture topsoil moisture is:

14 per cent surplus;
73 per cent adequate;
11 per cent short; and
Two per cent very short.

As the busy seeding season continues, farmers are monitoring early seeded crops as they emerge, particularly after the low temperatures and frost last week. Many producers are gradually applying pre-seed herbicides when the weather permits to manage weeds and are also completing operations such as harrowing, land rolling and rock picking. Livestock producers are checking fences and beginning to move cattle to pasture. Pastures are starting to green up, benefiting significantly from the recent precipitation received across the province.

As seeding progresses across the province, motorists are encouraged to remain alert for farm machinery on roadways during this busy period. Producers are also reminded to use caution when transporting equipment and to follow all safety protocols.

The Ministry of Agriculture, in partnership with Sask Ag Matters, reminds producers of the Farm Stress Line. Producers, their families and farm workers can call toll-free at 1-800-667-4442 at any time for confidential support from mental health professionals familiar with the challenges of agriculture.

A complete, printable version of the Crop Report is available online.