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Les ministères, les sociétés d’État et les organismes du gouvernement de la Saskatchewan travaillent à réduire au minimum les répercussions de l’interruption des services postaux.

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Pre-Planning Your Acres

By Japjyot Sandhu, Crops Extension Specialist Intern, North Battleford

December 2025

When it comes to pre-planning your acres, it is important to conduct a comprehensive review of the previous season. Maintaining accurate records of crop varieties, pesticide applications and fertilizer usage is important for evaluating the profitability of each year's agricultural practices. Field issues such as weeds, disease and insect pressure should be documented, so that management practices can be reviewed, if required. Yield maps can also help record and identify areas that are consistently producing lower yields.

A row of large metal grain silos stands on a flat rural field under a mostly clear sky. In front of the silos, various farming equipment including tractors and machinery are arranged
Grain bins and equipment ready for the next season
in Saskatchewan

It is also important to plan for crop inputs such as fertilizers and pesticides ahead of the next growing season. Purchasing them earlier may result in products being less expensive; however, this is not always the case. Post-harvest soil testing helps guide fertilizer decisions for the next year while reducing the chance of excess fertilizer application and nutrient losses. Using the right rate at the right time are two essential elements of 4R (Right Source @ Right Rate, Right Time, Right Place®) nutrient stewardship.

Early crop planning begins with developing a solid crop rotation plan and seed selection. Start by cleaning seed for the following year and do a seed test to ensure well-established crops in the upcoming growing season. Forecast your seed needs, preorder and purchase certified seeds to ensure they are available during seeding time. When choosing crop varieties, use the SaskSeed Guide or talk to a sales representative to determine which varieties are suitable for the region. Consider seed treatments to help reduce the risk of seed and soil-borne diseases, as well as insect damage to crops. The Crop Planning Guide can help you expand your rotation by providing information on general agronomic and economic factors.

There are many benefits to a diverse crop rotation including breaking the pest cycle, enhancing soil health and offering market diversification opportunities that mitigate economic risk. Growers should monitor herbicide use carefully, as some can have residual effects that influence crop choices for the following year. Additionally, rotating herbicide groups is important to reduce herbicide resistance. More information on herbicide residuals, crop restrictions and much more can be found in the 2025 Guide to Crop Protection.

If you want to learn more about crop planning, please contact your local crops extension specialist or the Agriculture Knowledge Centre at 1-866-457-2377.

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