Harvest progress remained slow last week, reaching four per cent complete as scattered rain showers and thunderstorms moved across the province. While the moisture was welcome in some regions, early-morning humidity shortened harvest windows and created poor desiccation conditions. Producers noted that warmer temperatures are needed to help advance crop maturity.
Rainfall was variable across the province last week. Some areas reported receiving significant precipitation from scattered showers and thunderstorms, while others recorded trace or no rainfall, resulting in uneven moisture conditions across crop districts.
The highest rainfall was reported in the Browning area, with 115 millimetres (mm) of rain, followed by the Enniskillen area with 106 mm and the Coalfields area with 102 mm. The Reciprocity and Meadow Lake areas reported 73 mm.
Localized showers resulted in slight improvements to topsoil moisture conditions across the province.
Cropland topsoil moisture is:
- 2 per cent surplus;
- 54 per cent adequate;
- 37 per cent short; and
- 7 per cent very short.
Hayland topsoil moisture is:
- 2 per cent surplus;
- 52 per cent adequate;
- 38 per cent short; and
- 8 per cent very short.
Pasture topsoil moisture is:
- 1 per cent surplus;
- 43 per cent adequate;
- 41 per cent short; and
- 15 per cent very short.
Cool weather, rainfall and humidity slowed crop development and harvest operations last week. While harvest has begun in some areas, mainly on early seeded pulse crops, spring and winter cereals, most crops are still developing and not yet ready to combine.
Harvest completion remains significantly below the five-year average of 15 per cent and the 10 year average of 12 per cent, but ahead of last year at this time, when three per cent of the crop had been harvested. The southwest leads in harvest progress at nine per cent complete, followed by the southeast at four per cent, west-central at two per cent, and east-central at one per cent.
- Winter cereals harvested:
- Winter wheat: 33 per cent; and
- Fall rye: 44 per cent.
- Spring cereals harvested:
- Triticale: 37 per cent;
- Barley: 5 per cent;
- Durum: 1 per cent;
- Spring wheat: 1 per cent;
- Oats: 4 per cent; and
- Canary seed: 1 per cent.
- Pulses harvested:
- Lentils: 13 per cent; and
- Field peas: 18 per cent.
Provincially, 81 per cent of reporters indicated no water shortages are occurring or are anticipated for livestock producers. Moderate shortages were reported by nine per cent of respondents, while nine per cent indicated shortages are expected within the next one to two months, and one per cent reported severe shortages. Most livestock producers are not currently concerned about water quality. If producers have questions or concerns about water quality or testing, they can contact the Agriculture Knowledge Centre at 1-866-457-2377.
Crop damage over the past week was mainly attributed to dry conditions, disease pressure and insect pest activity prompting spraying in parts of the central and northern regions. Along with minor crop lodging and damage from heat and wind, gopher activity continued to cause localized field damage in some areas.
Harvest is a busy and demanding time and producers are reminded to take appropriate safety precautions during harvest operations. This includes having fire suppression equipment readily available and exercising caution when working around powerlines.
The Farm Stress Line is available to provide confidential support to producers, toll-free at 1 800 667-4442. The public is also reminded to use caution when encountering farm machinery and equipment travelling on roadways.
A complete, printable version of the Crop Report is available online.
Follow the 2026 Crop Report on X at @SKAgriculture.
(Saskatchewan Agriculture news release)
