Crop Emergence: A Snapshot Across Saskatchewan
Crop seeding nears completion across Saskatchewan: agricultural update
With almost all seeding in Saskatchewan completed or close to it[1], this year's emergence is showing good results, albeit with some variations in crop establishment[1][2].
Regional Progress
- Southwest, West-Central, Northeast: Seeding in these regions is nearing a perfect score of 100%, making them the frontrunners in this year's harvest[1].
- Northwest: At 98% complete, the Northwest zone is close behind the leaders[1].
- Southeast, East-Central: These regions trail slightly, with only 95% of their crops sown[1].
Bill Prybylski, President of the Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan (APAS), notes, "The majority of crops have made it, thanks to the favorable weather[1]." However, he adds, "A little rain could've been a game-changer for many[1]."
Crop-Specific Matters
- Chickpeas, Canary Seed, Soybeans, Perennial Forage: These crops are furthest behind in seeding progress[1]. While chickpeas, with their shorter growing season, are 91% complete[1], crops like soybeans, which require a longer period to mature, are only 48% seeded[1]. This discrepancy highlights the impact of regional variability and the challenges it poses.
Across the province, minimal rainfall was recorded during the reporting period[1]. The driest areas experienced no precipitation, while the Eldon area received a modest 11mm[1]. As a result, topsoil moisture is declining[1]. However, the report states that crop emergence has been great overall, with a few spotty instances in later-seeded crops[1]. The majority of crops that have emerged are reported in good to fair condition[1], with only minor damage due to dry conditions, wind, and heat[1].
As producers gear up for field maintenance tasks like seeding, spraying, rock picking, land rolling, and cattle herding[1], they must be vigilant about weather conditions and soil moisture to ensure optimum growth for their crops. Kim Stonehouse, Crop Extension Specialist, highlights the importance of this vigilance, stating, "In some areas with dryer soils, smaller seeded crops may not achieve uniform germination."
Despite the challenges, the farming community remains hopeful, keeping an eye on the skies for that much-needed, welcoming rain.
[1] CBC News. (2025). Saskatchewan crop report: 97% of seeds sown, some areas facing dry conditions. [online] Available at: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatoon/saskatchewan-crop-report-97-of-seeds-sown-some-areas-facing-dry-conditions-1.6436085
[2] Government of Saskatchewan. (2025, June 7). Crop Report for Saskatchewan for the Week Ending June 6, 2025. [online] Available at: https://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/news-and-media/2025-06-07-crop-report-for-saskatchewan-for-the-week-ending-june-6-2025
[3]APAS. (2025, June 3). Crop Production Update Week Ending June 3, 2025. [online] Available at: https://www.apas.sk.ca/Home/News/Crop-Production-Update-Week-Ending-June-3-2025
News reports indicate that the weather in Saskatchewan has been favorable for crop emergence, allowing for near-perfect seeding in some regions like the Southwest, West-Central, and Northeast [1]. However, the lack of rain has been a concern for many farmers, especially those who are yet to seed crops with longer growing seasons such as soybeans, which are only 48% seeded [1].
