The first Saskatchewan Crop Report of 2026 indicates seeding is underway, but mainly in the south.
Farmers in the southwest are seven per cent of the way through seeding, while the southeast is five per cent and the west-central region one per cent seeded. The northeast, northwest, and east-central regions are delayed due to a combination of flooding, cold temperatures and frozen soils.
There was very little rainfall this past week with the Rockglen area recording the most at just eight millimetres followed by the Carnduff area at three millimetres.
Provincially, seeding progress is three per cent complete which is lower than the five year average of 12 per cent and ten year average of 13 per cent.
Cereal crops are the most seeded crop type so far, as 16 per cent of triticale; 10 per cent of durum; four per cent of barley; two per cent of spring wheat and oats; and one per cent of canary seed have been seeded.
Field peas lead other pulse crops at six per cent planted, followed by four per cent of lentils and three per cent of chickpeas.
A small amount of oilseeds crops are in the ground as three per cent of canola and mustard and two per cent of flax have been seeded.
Drier weather is expected this week, so grain farmers who are able to be in the field are seeding, pre-seed spraying for weed control, harrowing and rock picking, while others are waiting for the water to recede and the land to dry up.
Topsoil moisture for crop, hay, and pasture land are mostly adequate provincially, but it's likely carried by excessive moisture in some regions.
According to the report, cropland topsoil moisture is 24 per cent surplus; 69 per cent adequate; and seven per cent short. Hayland topsoil moisture is 14 per cent surplus; 71 per cent adequate; 14 per cent short; and one per cent very short. Pasture topsoil moisture is 10 per cent surplus; 71 per cent adequate; 18 per cent short; and one per cent very short.
Citing provincial data of spring runoff in late-April, the report notes runoff was "32 per cent below normal, 32 per cent normal and 36 per cent above normal.
Crop reporters asked livestock producers about pasture conditions and whether spring runoff will help with water supplies and pasture land.
Producers in the west-central and southwest regions are hoping for more moisture in the coming weeks, as 61 per cent of respondents in the west-central and 45 per cent of respondents in the southwest "indicated that the amount of runoff would not be sufficient to replenish dugouts within their area."
In other areas, "81 per cent of crop reporters indicated that the amount of runoff received would be sufficient to replenish dugouts and other water bodies within their area", the report states.
Pasture conditions in the province are in decent shape early on with six per cent in excellent condition, 42 per cent in good condition, 24 per cent in fair condition, 20 per cent in poor condition and eight per cent in very poor condition.
The report says livestock producers are busy calving with some finishing up for the season. As cattle are being moved out to pasture, producers are also busy checking and fixing fences.
The Ministry of Agriculture reminds farmers to be safe while working in the field and watch for overhead power lines while moving equipment in fields and farmyards.
The Farm Stress Line is also available for mental health support. The number is 1-800-667-4442 and can be called at any time.
