Saskatchewan Crops Need Rain Badly, Confirms Provincial Crop Report

Jul 14, 2023

Saskatchewan crops continued to progress this week. Canola is beginning to pod and wheat is beginning to flower in many areas. Dry conditions are impacting parts of the province and many producers are hoping for rain immediately, according to the provincial crop report released Thursday.

Across the province, 31% of fall cereals were estimated to be ahead of normal development in the week ended July 10, with 66% developing normally. Spring cereals and oilseed were rated 33% ahead of normal development, with 28% of pulses rated in the same category.

Very little rain was received this week. The most rain was in the Dinsmore area, with 14 mm. A large decrease in soil moisture accompanied the warm weather this past week. Cropland topsoil moisture is currently 21% adequate, 55% short and 24% very short.

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Video: Independent Seed, National Impact | On The Brink: Episode 9

A survey of 200 independent seed businesses reveals what Canada's seed sector actually contributes — and what it stands to lose.

On the Brink, Justin Funk, a third-generation agri-marketer, shares the findings of a national survey conducted in early 2026. The numbers reframe the conversation: independent seed companies in Canada represent upwards of $1.7 billion in dedicated seed infrastructure, approximately 3,000 full-time equivalent jobs in rural communities, and an estimated $20 million in annual community contributions. And roughly 90% of Canada's cereals, pulses, and other small pollinated crops flow through them.

The survey also asked how dependent these businesses are on public plant breeding to survive. The answer was unambiguous. For policymakers evaluating the future of publicly funded breeding programs, Funk argues the economic case for this sector and the case for public plant breeding are the same argument.

On the Brink is a cross-country video series exploring the future of plant breeding in Canada. Each episode features voices from across the industry in an open, ongoing conversation about innovation and long-term investment in Canadian agriculture.