Crops continue to mature across the province. Cooler weather slowed harvest progress, which remains at two per cent complete, and crop development in some areas; however, it also helped maintain crop condition and reduce stress in areas that experienced hot, dry conditions over the past few weeks. Scattered showers provided much-needed moisture, but overall conditions remain dry. Additional precipitation would be beneficial, particularly for later-seeded crops as they continue to progress through the grain-filling stage.
Variable rainfall was received across the province. While a few areas received significant precipitation, most regions recorded little to no rainfall. The highest amount was reported in the Chesterfield and Milton areas, where 20 millimetres (mm) of rain fell, followed by the Milden area with 16 mm and the Harris, Arborfield, Nipawin, Round Hill and Hillsdale areas at 15 mm.
The localized showers improved topsoil moisture conditions in some areas; however, a significant proportion of regions across the province rated topsoil moisture levels as short.
Cropland topsoil moisture is:
- 1 per cent surplus;
- 48 per cent adequate;
- 43 per cent short; and
- 8 per cent very short.
Hayland topsoil moisture is:
- 1 per cent surplus;
- 49 per cent adequate;
- 42 per cent short; and
- 8 per cent very short.
Pasture topsoil moisture is:
- 1 per cent surplus;
- 39 per cent adequate;
- 46 per cent short; and
- 14 per cent very short.
Cool weather conditions slowed harvest operations in areas where harvest has begun. In most regions, however, crops continue to develop and are not yet ready for harvest. Provincial harvest progress remains at two per cent complete, largely limited to cereal and early-seeded pulse crops. This is below both the five-year average of six per cent and ten-year average of five per cent. However, harvest progress is ahead of last year, when only one per cent of the crop had been harvested. Desiccation operations are underway in pulse crops, while many crops across the province continue to mature.
- Winter cereals harvested:
- Winter wheat: 18 per cent; and
- Fall rye: 27 per cent.
- Spring cereals harvested:
- Triticale: 37 per cent;
- Barley: 4 per cent;
- Spring wheat: 1 per cent;
- Oats: 2 per cent; and
- Canary seed: 1 per cent.
- Pulses harvested:
- Lentil: 2 per cent; and
- Field peas: 5 per cent.
Most producers have either completed or are wrapping up final haying and silage operations. Provincially, dryland alfalfa yields are averaging 1.90 tonnes (t) per acre, while greenfeed yields are averaging 2.79 t per acre. Under irrigated conditions, alfalfa yields are averaging 3.90 t per acre and greenfeed yields are averaging 6.85 t per acre. Provincial silage yields are currently estimated at 7.00 t per acre.
Crop damage was reported in areas experiencing hot, dry conditions, with some regions indicating minor to moderate crop stress. There were also reports of bertha armyworms, wind, gophers and sclerotinia disease causing minor crop damage in certain areas.
Harvest is a busy time across Saskatchewan and safety should remain a top priority for everyone. Producers are reminded to be aware of potential hazards, including fire risks and overhead powerlines, and to take appropriate preventative measures to reduce the likelihood of incidents. As harvest activity continues to increase, there will be more farm machinery travelling on public roadways. Motorists are encouraged to exercise extra patience and caution when approaching or passing large agricultural equipment.
For any crop or livestock questions, producers are encouraged to call the Agriculture Knowledge Centre, toll free at 1-866-457-2377.
This can also be a stressful time of year for producers, particularly as weather conditions remain unpredictable and harvest progress is impacted. Support is available through the Farm Stress Line at 1-800-667-4442, which provides confidential assistance to producers and their families.
A complete, printable version of the Crop Report is available online.
Follow the 2026 Crop Report on X at @SKAgriculture.
(Saskatchewan Agriculture news release)
