Heavy Rainfall Brings Mixed Outcomes for Saskatchewan Agriculture in Early Summer

Saskatchewan is experiencing sustained rainfall as the first full weekend of summer approaches, with precipitation levels and associated impacts varying across the province. Environment Canada forecasts rain to begin overnight Friday and extend through Monday, with expectations of 30 to 40 millimetres of rain across much of central and southern Saskatchewan. Meteorologist Chris Stammers noted that the southwest may receive between 50 and 60 millimetres, and heavier rainfall is forecast to affect the Alberta border region most significantly. Thunderstorms are anticipated for the southern areas, while central regions are likely to see steadier rain.

Environment Canada issues rainfall warnings when more than 50 millimetres of rain is expected within 24 hours; Stammers indicated that such a threshold could be met in southwest Saskatchewan, though no warning had yet been confirmed. Several communities remain at risk of flooding due to saturated soils from previous heavy snowpack and rainfall during spring, with areas such as Churchbridge, Yorkton, Prince Albert, and North Battleford identified as particularly vulnerable.

The Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture’s latest crop report noted that approximately three per cent of normally seeded acres across the province were left unseeded this year because of excess moisture. An additional three per cent of seeded crops are considered unlikely to grow due to ongoing wet conditions, and about two per cent of pasture land remains inaccessible as it is too soggy for use.

Bill Prybylski, president of the Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan, described the prevailing sentiment among producers as one of discouragement, stating, “There’s nothing to do about it. The rains will be where rains are going to be, and you kind of have to deal with it.” He emphasized that some fields in the Yorkton area are still completely underwater, and that there is a significant risk of farm equipment becoming stuck in waterlogged soil. Prybylski also noted that saturated fields have impeded access, with damaged roads and approaches further complicating efforts to reach farmland.

As seeding operations conclude—99 per cent of the province’s expected crop is now in the ground—attention has shifted to in-season tasks such as herbicide application, haying, and pest monitoring. However, the recent rainfall, in combination with strong winds, has hampered in-crop spraying activities in several regions. Moose Jaw received over 30 millimetres of rain in the latest reporting period, with the Foam Lake area recording the highest total at 110 millimetres. Hillsborough followed with 77 millimetres, and both Elfros and Lacadena had 68 millimetres each.

The widespread precipitation has substantially increased topsoil moisture. The most recent data indicate cropland topsoil moisture is now estimated at 20 per cent surplus, 77 per cent adequate, and three per cent short. For hayland, the surplus figure is 15 per cent, with 77 per cent adequate, seven per cent short, and one per cent very short. Pasture topsoil moisture is reported as 12 per cent surplus, 78 per cent adequate, and 10 per cent short.

Cool, cloudy, and damp conditions have slowed crop development in the past week. While most crops remain on a normal trajectory, a significant proportion is now behind typical development stages for late June. The latest figures show that for fall cereals, 85 per cent are at normal development and 14 per cent are behind, while for spring cereals, 65 per cent are normal and 34 per cent behind. Oilseeds are 54 per cent normal and 45 per cent behind; pulse crops are 77 per cent normal and 22 per cent behind; and perennial forage is 80 per cent normal and 19 per cent behind. Annual forages are 74 per cent normal and 26 per cent behind.

Producers have also reported that, in addition to the three per cent of acres left unseeded due to moisture, another three per cent of seeded acres are too flooded to produce a crop. Three per cent of forage crops are similarly affected, and two per cent of pastureland is currently unusable. In areas with reduced moisture, two per cent of seeded acreage has been impacted, and five per cent of forage crops and pastures may see yield reductions or lower carrying capacity.

Deadlines related to crop insurance claims for unseeded acres have come into effect. As of June 26, claims submitted after the June 20 deadline incur a 25 per cent penalty of up to $1,000, and claims made on or after July 3 are ineligible. Crops seeded after June 20, except for greenfeed (which has a June 30 deadline), are not eligible for unseeded acreage claims. The Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation provides further details for producers seeking assistance.

Livestock water supplies have generally benefited from the increased rainfall, with 87 per cent of sources expected to remain adequate. Four per cent are currently rated as moderately short, and nine per cent may become short in the coming months.

Crop damage has been attributed to multiple factors, with excess moisture as the primary concern. Most regions have experienced minor to moderate damage, with some isolated reports of severe impacts. Additional sources of damage include gophers and strong winds, which have caused moderate to severe effects in certain areas. Hail has also produced minor to moderate damage in localized regions. Flea beetles have been present at moderate levels, and there have been minor reports of cutworm activity.

The cumulative effect of the recent precipitation has improved overall moisture conditions but has complicated the completion of in-crop spraying and contributed to delays and losses in certain areas. The outlook for the next few weeks depends on weather conditions, with producers seeking a return to more favourable circumstances to support crop development and allow completion of delayed activities.

The situation in Saskatchewan reflects the complexity of managing agricultural production under variable and at times extreme weather conditions. The current period of heavy rainfall presents both benefits, such as improved moisture reserves and water supply for livestock, and challenges, including flooding, crop delays, and logistical obstacles for producers as they seek to adapt to ongoing changes in climate and weather patterns.