The Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan (APAS) says it is working with the provincial Ministry of Agriculture and the Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation (SCIC) to provide producers with clearer guidance on crop insurance coverage as cold and wet conditions continue to delay spring seeding across the province.
Saskatchewan seeding progress remains well behind normal levels. As of May 18, provincial planting was estimated at 29% complete, well behind 72% at the same time last year and the 10-year average of 52%. Progress has been especially slow in northeastern and northwestern regions, where wet field conditions have limited operations while recommended seeding dates continue to approach, said an APAS release Tuesday.
SCIC recently issued additional guidance confirming that crops remain insurable up to the final seeding deadline of June 20. Losses that are not related to the seeding date, like drought, disease, wind, and hail, are all insured. However, SCIC also noted that producers who seed beyond recommended dates identified in its Seeding Date Tool could face increased risk, as compensation for losses may be reduced if damage is considered abnormal compared to surrounding farms in the area.
APAS president Bill Prybylski said producers need timely and practical information to help guide planting decisions during what has become a difficult spring across much of Western Canada.
“We welcome SCIC’s assurances that area-wide delays will not unduly penalize farmers. . . “This has been a challenging spring and having a clear understanding of how recommended seeding dates affect risk and coverage is critical.
“We encourage producers to connect directly with SCIC to ensure they have the information they need.”
APAS said it is encouraging producers considering seeding past recommended dates to contact local SCIC offices to discuss how the timing could affect individual coverage. The farm group is also calling for broader communication efforts, including greater use of social media and other outreach channels, to ensure producers receive important updates while working through a compressed planting season.
APAS said it will continue working with the Ministry of Agriculture and SCIC to support consistent and practical communication throughout the 2026 growing season.
Alberta’s Agriculture Financial Services Corporation earlier this week announced temporary extensions to 2026 seeding deadlines and recommended planting dates in northern regions of that province because of delayed spring conditions and excessive moisture.
