A disruptive mix of strong winds, rain and snow has stalled Saskatchewan farmers, leaving provincial seeding progress lagging well behind historical averages.
Read more: Toma writes his own story
According to the latest crop report, released by the Ministry of Agriculture on May 21, seeding across the province is sitting at 29 per cent complete for the period of May 11 to 18.
While that marks a 13 per cent increase from the previous week, progress remains significantly behind the five-year average of 55 per cent and the 10-year average of 52 per cent.
A turbulent weather system brought heavy precipitation to several areas, notably Dundurn and North Battleford, which recorded 83 millimetres and 82 millimetres of rain respectively.
While the moisture has temporarily sidelined tractors, officials noted it provided a much-needed topsoil recharge that will benefit emerging crops, hay and pasture conditions.
“Widespread precipitation increased topsoil moisture recharge across the province,” the report stated, adding that 67 per cent of cropland topsoil moisture is now rated as adequate, while 27 per cent is considered surplus.
Regionally, the southwest remains the most advanced with 55 per cent of the crop in the ground. The southeast sits at 41 per cent, followed by the west-central region at 30 per cent and the northwest at 16 per cent.
Seeding in eastern districts has been the slowest to pick up, with the east-central region at 11 per cent and the northeast at just three per cent.
Pulse crops are currently leading the charge, with field peas and lentils at 53 per cent complete. For cereals, durum is the furthest along at 49 per cent, while spring wheat sits at 25 per cent. Oilseeds are trailing, with canola seeding reported at 15 per cent complete.
As producers navigate the delays, many are monitoring early-seeded fields for frost damage following low temperatures last week. Farmers are also using the downtime to apply pre-seed herbicides, harrow, and roll land as weather permits.
With farm equipment increasingly moving between fields, the province is reminding motorists to remain alert and cautious on rural roadways.
The Ministry of Agriculture also highlighted that mental health support remains available for producers facing seasonal pressures. Farmers and farm workers can access confidential support by calling the Farm Stress Line toll-free at 1-800-667-4442.
Read more: https://meridiansource.ca/2026/05/20/provincial-curling-elite-to-pack-lloydminsters-new-hub/
