Saskatchewan’s 2026 yield estimates are mixed compared with Statistics Canada’s September projections, with some crops coming in noticeably higher and others below.
Thursday’s Saskatchewan crop report put this year’s average durum yield in the province at 46 bu/acre, comfortably above StatsCan’s projection of 40.9, while soybeans were pegged at 33 bu compared with 27.4 for StatsCan. Saskatchewan also has flax at 26 bu/acre versus StatsCan’s 22.4, while lentils are estimated by the province at 1,469 lbs/acre, above StatsCan’s 1,361 lbs, and mustard at 1,024 pounds versus the federal agency’s 1,001.
However, the provincial estimate for canola is lower at 39 bu/acre compared to StatsCan’s 41.9, while barley is estimated at 73 bu, below 75.8 for StatsCan. Dry peas are also slightly lower at 38 bu versus 39 for StatsCan. The province has the average Hard Red Spring wheat yield at 52 bu/acre, and other spring wheat at 56 bu, compared to StatsCan’s spring wheat yield of 52.1 bu. Oats are similarly close, with the Saskatchewan estimate at 94 bu/acre, and StatsCan at 94.3 bu.
Meanwhile, today’s report said harvest progress is picking up across Saskatchewan but remains well behind normal.
The report showed 41% of the provincial crop had been combined as of Monday, up 9 percentage points from a week earlier. However, progress remains well behind the 68% completed at the same time last year, as well as the five-year average of 82% and 10-year average of 73%.
The southwest continues to lead at 67% complete, followed by west-central at 45%. The southeast is 38% complete and east-central 29%, while the northwest sits at 26% and northeast at 24%.
Winter cereals and pulses remain furthest advanced. Fall rye is 99% harvested and winter wheat 97%, while lentils are 92% complete and field peas 91%. Barley harvest is 61% complete, durum 55%, spring wheat 32% and canola 26%.
Rain, high humidity and wet fields slowed harvest in eastern Saskatchewan and delayed work in western areas. Wet conditions are also affecting quality, with some cereal and pulse crops experiencing sprouting and deterioration, the report said.
The heaviest rainfall was reported near Moosomin at 75 mm, while Bethune received 54 mm. Cropland topsoil moisture is rated 19% surplus, 76% adequate and 5% short.
High temperatures through the coming week are expected to help producers accelerate or finish harvest operations, the report added.
The full Saskatchewan crop report can be found here:
https://publications.saskatchewan.ca/api/v1/products/128638/formats/157368/download
