Saskatchewan’s harvest is moving at its slowest pace since at least 2021 as widespread rainfall continues to stall fieldwork across the province.
The latest provincial crop report released Thursday shows the harvest was just 32% complete as of Monday, up only 5 points from the previous week. That compares with 53% at roughly the same time last year, 74% in 2024, 82% in 2023, 73% in 2022 and 74% in 2021. Progress also remains far behind the five-year average of 71% and the 10-year average of 63%.
Excess moisture is becoming an increasingly serious concern. Cropland topsoil moisture is now rated 34% surplus, 63% adequate and just 3% short after another week of widespread rain. The RM of Sarnia received the most precipitation at 97 mm, followed by Sasman at 85 mm and Aberdeen at 80 mm.
Crop quality is also beginning to suffer under the persistent wet conditions, with the share of crops making the top grade running below long-term averages.
For field peas, 30% is grading No. 1 Canada, compared with the 10-year average of 42%. Lentils are showing a similar decline, with 17% grading No. 1 Canada versus 31% on average.
Durum quality is also under pressure, with just 23% grading No. 1 Canada Western compared with a 10-year average of 39%. For barley, 18% is making malt grade, down from the 31% average.
Harvest remains most advanced in winter cereals and pulses. Fall rye is 98% complete and winter wheat 93%, while lentils are 88% done and field peas 84%. Barley harvest has reached 47%, durum 46% and mustard 51%. Canola is just 15% complete, while spring wheat stands at 17% and oats at 19%.
Excessive moisture, strong winds and waterfowl activity were the main sources of crop damage during the week, with some frost and hail also reported. Producers are now looking for an extended stretch of warm, dry weather to restart harvest operations, the report said.
The full report can be found here: https://publications.saskatchewan.ca/api/v1/products/128638/formats/157230/download
