Click here to sign up for our free daily newsletter
(Image Credit: ID 257109226 © Nancy Anderson Dreamstime.com)

More farmers begin harvest in Saskatchewan

Aug 27, 2026 | 3:10 PM

Harvest is now underway in all regions of Saskatchewan.  

It was relatively warm across the province for the week of Aug. 18 to 24, which helped with crop development. 

Crops Extension Specialist Davidson Ugheoke said about 11 per cent of the crop is in the bin.  

“That is significantly behind the five- and 10-year averages of 25 per cent and 21 per cent, respectively,” he said. “Although we still had some reports of rain and strong winds, the humidity and rains stalled harvest a little bit. But I think we’re in a good place right now.” 

The strong winds in parts of the province brought significant rain to some regions, including the Round Hill area, which had the most rainfall at 81 millimetres, followed by the Emerald and Meeting Lake areas with 76 mm and 68 mm, respectively.  

Despite the prevailing warm conditions reported across Saskatchewan, Ugheoke said provincial topsoil moisture levels were relatively stable last week.  

“Topsoil moisture is currently rated at four per cent surplus, 49 per cent adequate, 37 per cent short and 10 per cent very short,” he added. “Those warm temperatures are beginning to catch up, but right now topsoil moisture is relatively stable.” 

Winter cereals, pulses, and earlier seeded crops are the focus for combining. Ugheoke said a small amount of canola has also been combined. 

Crop reporters have also shared information on the quality of grain coming in so far. Ughoeke said there are grades for fall rye: 60 per cent is 1 CW, 32 per cent is 2 CW and eight per cent is 3 CW. For winter wheat, 26 per cent is 1 CW, 68 per cent is 2 CW and six per cent is 3 CW. 

Across the province, dry conditions were the primary reason for crop damage, although it was limited.  

“We did have some reports of damage as a result of strong winds. We had some reports of sclerotinia and Bertha armyworms damaging some canola. Most of these reports are localized. We had some reports of aphids damaging crops and limited gopher damage,” he said. 

alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com