Northeast Saskatchewan lags behind in seeding

May 21, 2026 | 3:32 PM

Seeding is slowly coming along for Saskatchewan farmers, with 29 per cent of the provincial crop planted so far. While that’s up from 16 per cent last week, it remains well behind the five-year average of 55 per cent.

Crop extension specialist Davidson Ugheoke said farmers in the south made the bulk of the progress, with the southwest at 55 per cent complete, the southeast at 41 per cent, west-central at 30 per cent, the northwest at 16 per cent, east-central at 11 per cent and the northeast lagging at just three per cent.

“Driving around the province, my colleagues and I could see activity in some places. So by this time next week, I think we should have significant numbers,” Ugheoke said.

A weather system last week brought strong winds and mixed precipitation across the province, with some areas getting rain and others snow and flurries. The Dundurn area north of Regina recorded the most precipitation at 83 mm, followed by North Battleford at 82 mm and the Big Arm area at 68 mm. Ugheoke said the widespread precipitation recharged soil moisture for cropland, hayland and pastureland.

“In terms of cropland topsoil moisture, 67 per cent is adequate and close to 27 per cent is surplus,” he said. “For hayland and pasture topsoil moisture, we’re looking at 72 per cent and 73 per cent being adequate, which are good numbers for this time.”

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In terms of seeding progress by crop type, pulses lead the way, with 53 per cent of lentils and field peas in the ground and 40 per cent of chickpeas seeded. Among cereal crops, durum is the farthest ahead at 49 per cent, followed by triticale at 34 per cent, barley at 27 per cent, spring wheat at 25 per cent, canary seed at 15 per cent and oats at 11 per cent.

For oilseeds, mustard is 30 per cent complete, flax is at 21 per cent and canola is at 15 per cent. Perennial forages are also 15 per cent complete. Ugheoke noted farmers in the south are also monitoring early-seeded crops, among other things, as the weather co-operates.

“Most of the activities that have to do with seed management are done as the weather permits because the system that came into the province last week brought a lot of moisture and high winds. Farmers couldn’t spray because of the high winds, and when it rains, it’s not advisable to spray.”

Producers are reminded that the Farm Stress Line is available should they need to talk to someone anonymously.

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alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com

by Alice McFarlane

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Northeast Saskatchewan lags behind in seeding

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