Saskatchewan producers made their biggest seeding push of the season this week, but a significant gap remains between current progress and historical averages.
The latest provincial crop report shows 52 per cent of the 2026 crop is now in the ground – up sharply from last week. The five-year average for this point in the season is 74 per cent, and the 10-year average is 77 per cent.
The southwest region leads at 74 per cent complete, with west-central close behind at 69 per cent. The southeast has reached 61 per cent and the northwest 55 per cent.
For producers near Lloydminster, the story is harder. The east-central region sits at 26 per cent complete and the northeast is just behind at 25 per cent – roughly one-third of where the province’s fastest regions stand.
What’s in the ground
Pulse crops remain the furthest ahead. Field peas are 77 per cent seeded and lentils are at 76 per cent, with chickpeas at 55 per cent. Durum leads the cereal category at 74 per cent, followed by spring wheat at 52 per cent and barley at 50 per cent. Oats are lagging at 26 per cent.
Oilseed seeding is catching up. Mustard is at 56 per cent, canola at 38 per cent, and flax at 34 per cent. Perennial forages are 23 per cent seeded.
Crops are behind, but holding
Even where seeding has happened, crop development is running late across nearly all categories. Oilseeds are the furthest behind, with 73 per cent of acres behind their normal development stage. Spring cereals are 63 per cent behind normal, and pulse crops are 55 per cent behind.
Fall cereals are faring better, with 58 per cent at normal development. Perennial forage is at 50 per cent normal.
Crop damage has been minor province-wide. Flooding, wind, frost and gopher pressure have caused localized issues. Some areas saw heat and dry stretches contribute to crop stress, and insect activity prompted control measures in parts of the province.
Moisture holding, for now
Rainfall varied widely this past week. The Martin area recorded 60 millimetres – the highest in the province. The Craik area received 59 millimetres and the Fertile Belt area received 45 millimetres.
Overall topsoil moisture is holding relatively steady. Cropland moisture is 19 per cent surplus, 70 per cent adequate and 11 per cent short. Hayland and pasture conditions are slightly drier, with pastureland reporting 20 per cent short and 3 per cent very short.
Looking ahead
If weather holds, producers expect seeding to advance quickly over the coming week. Alongside planting, farmers are moving cattle to pasture, applying herbicides and land-rolling fields.
The Farm Stress Line is available to producers, their families and farm employees at any time. The service is free and confidential. Call 1-800-667-4442.
Read more: Sask. seeding jumps to 16 per cent but still trails average