2026 Fall Crop Report

Avena Fall Crop Report

From the desk of Mike Gallais, Director of Procurement

With harvest finally underway on the Canadian Prairies, the question everyone is asking farmers right now is “What’s the crop looking like?”

The answer is: “It’s a six, dressed up as a nine!” The crop looks promising from the road but is coming off the field as average.

The 2026 growing season in Saskatchewan was challenging. Excessive spring moisture meant the crops got off to a slow start. There was adequate moisture in June but it was followed by little or no rainfall through July and August when it was most needed. Toward the end of August and through most of September there was unsettled, wet weather, which delayed harvest.

Despite challenging field conditions, growers made substantial harvest progress during late September as warm, dry weather returned. Saskatchewan Crop Reports indicated that harvest was 56% complete by the end of September. The five-year average by this time of year is 91% complete. Harvest is expected to be wrapped up by the middle of October.

Oats

In areas that received timely moisture throughout the growing season, oat yields ranged from average to above average. Growers in the south/southwest of Saskatchewan, where the crops had inadequate soil moisture in July and August, experienced oats with reduced test weights and higher thin counts. Northern and eastern portions of the province that were impacted by excessive late-season rainfall, reported quality concerns like weather staining, sprouting and yield loss.

Peas

Yield results for peas varied across the province but were generally supported by adequate moisture throughout the growing season. Quality was affected in some regions by excess precipitation during harvest. According to provincial reporting, a smaller than average proportion of peas achieved No. 1 Canada grade, with a larger than average share grading No. 2 Canada. Many fields lost acres due to too much rain early in the season, averaging in a 15% reduction.

Lentils

Lentil quality challenges emerged in areas receiving excessive rainfall during harvest, resulting in fewer No. 1 grade lentils than the historical average with a larger share grading No. 2. Despite quality concerns, overall production remained average in most regions. However, the harvested acres were reduced by 10-15% due to water in low lying areas of the fields.

Chickpeas

Chickpea harvest lagged behind peas and lentils due to later maturity and challenging harvest conditions. August rain caused havoc with the harvest, causing re-growth in the plants. By late September, 65% of the crop had been harvested. Continued dry weather supported completion of remaining acres during early October.

In the end there will be high variability in quality for chickpeas this season. Processors are going to have their work cut out for them, cleaning up the sixes to turn them into nines!

Remember to do like your Mama says – “Eat your Peas”!