REGINA — The provincial government marked the start of seeding season for 2026 amid some ongoing challenges of flooding in some areas and drought in others.
The launch event took place at the Schikowski farm south of Regina. Cut Knife-Turtleford MLA James Thorsteinson, who is legislative secretary to Agriculture Minister David Marit, who was not able to attend, noted some of the weather conditions that had delayed seeding somewhat for 2026.
“We have been off to a slow start this year with cooler temperatures and inclement weather, but in the weeks ahead, we will continue to see equipment in the fields and on farming operations such as this one,” Thorsteinson said. “The first Crop Report of the season was issued last week, reporting the seeding season has officially begun.”
“The crop report provides excellent on-the-ground insight into the seeding, growing and harvesting progress throughout the province.”
Thorsteinson said this quality information in the weekly crop report would not be possible “without the network of volunteer crop reporters who contribute to it.” He said more crop reporters are always welcome, and anyone looking to volunteer was encouraged to reach out to their local regional office for more information. People can also contact the Ag Knowledge Centre at 1-866-457-2377 to sign up.
Thorsteinson also pointed to expanded mental health supports for farmers, including the April 1 announcement of a new partnership with Sask Ag Matters Mental Health Network to manage the farm stress line. It provides 24-7 confidential access to crisis line counsellors as well as follow-up counselling from Saskatchewan-based mental health professionals with agricultural backgrounds, he said.
“This support is about protecting the people behind the work. Along with mental health, it's also important to take care of your physical health. Take breaks, check your surroundings and make sure you come home safe.”
He also encouraged motorists to “be aware of farm machinery that may be moving along roadways and to be patient for the safety of everybody.”
On the weather conditions
When asked about the reasons why spring seeding has gotten off to a slow start, Thorsteinson pointed to “cooler temperatures” and some “late snows” that came through.
“Snow melt wasn't happening as fast as it would in a normal year so that just pushes back when producers were able to get in the field.”
One concern remains the flooding situation in central and northern Saskatchewan. Thorsteinson acknowledged it was holding up seeding.
“You can't seed if there's water on the field, but it is progressing slowly,” Thorsteinson said.
“Guys are starting to get out in some areas. I know where I am in northwest Saskatchewan, we aren't seeing the flooding there. Guys are starting to get out, but as you move further east there are some issues there, so it will take a longer time.”
On the flip side is the southwest region, which has seen persistent dry conditions over the last few years. Thorsteinson said there was hope for a different situation this year.
“If you're a farmer you're hopeful. We're always hopeful, and Mother Nature will bring what Mother Nature brings, but we're always hopeful and there are programs in place to help those that do have problems whether it's AgriStability or crop insurance.”
As for the current situation in the southwest, Thorsteinson said it was dry now, but “that could change in a week if a big storm comes up from out in the United States and dumps a bunch of rain on them, so it's hard to tell.”
Parker Schikowski, who farms south of Regina, said his crew has been able to start seeding.
“We got out, we started Friday,” he said. “We have lentils going in right now, durum going in right now, and we'll probably be switching to canola in a couple days.”
Schikowski said the weather has been good so far, though he noted it was a little behind the date they had targeted.
“In the winter we had April 27 circled on our calendar to start, but, so a little bit later, but it's been a good start and we've been getting the acres in quick.”
There are other issues facing farmers, including fertilizer and fuel prices.
“Fuel's a tough one. We are not set up with a big tank right now, so we had an opportunity to buy pre-pay on some stuff, but not enough to get all the stuff in the ground,” said Schikowski.
“We're feeling the fuel, but in retrospect, the fuel's a small part, but every bit counts.”
The big part, he said, is land and machinery.
“Land's getting pretty crazy right now, especially being a young guy trying to buy land and expand or stay the same, even,” Schikowski said. “People are getting older, land owners are getting older. They want to retire or pass it on to their kids or maybe their kids don't want the land. And for me to go buy the land right now, it's tough, it's expensive.”
He pointed to land values increasing because of “big farms being competitive.” He pointed to big farms “coming in and driving up rent and land prices and family farms have to compete somehow, so we kind of got to pony up and find financing or, yeah, find the money somewhere.”
Despite the challenges, Schikowski said he is still making a go of it while working toward eventually taking over the family farm.
“It's nerve-wracking for sure getting into it. There's opportunities, obviously, you gotta risk mitigate and roll with the punches when you can.”
