Saskatchewan is known worldwide as a consistent and reliable supplier of safe, high-quality grains, oilseeds, pulses, livestock and agri-food products. In 2023, Saskatchewan agriculture exports were the largest on record, with total international sales of $20.2 billion. Agricultural exports have increased 52.1 per cent since 2013, accounting for 40 per cent of total provincial exports in 2023.
In 2023, Saskatchewan exported more than $3.2 billion in each of our four key crop product sectors: cereal grains, oilseeds, pulses and edible oils.
Cereal Grains
In 2023, Saskatchewan seeded over seven million hectares of cereal grains to produce more than 18.6 MMT. Total international exports of cereal grains were 14.5 MMT ($6.9 billion), accounting for almost 53 per cent of Saskatchewan's total agri-food exports by volume in 2023.
Oilseeds
Canola and flax drive oilseed production and account for 40 per cent of our province's total agri-food exports (which includes canola seed, oil and meal, and flax seed, oil and meal). In 2023, Saskatchewan exported $3.3 billion in oilseeds (flaxseed and canola seed) to 65 different countries. Saskatchewan produced 9.7 MMT of canola seed in 2023, with exports of $3.2 billion. Saskatchewan's flaxseed production accounted for 82.1 per cent (223,810 metric tonnes) of Canada's total production in 2023.
Pulses
Saskatchewan is Canada's leader in the production and research of pulses including lentils, dry peas and chickpeas. Saskatchewan farmers produce on average approximately four to five million metric tonnes of pulses annually. In 2023, Saskatchewan produced 1.5 MMT of lentils and 1.3 MMT of dry peas. Saskatchewan exported $3.2 billion worth of pulses to the world in 2023.
Livestock
Saskatchewan has a diverse livestock industry driven by cattle and hog production. We have the second-largest beef cattle herd in Canada, exporting $207 million worth of live cattle in 2023. Saskatchewan is a world-class provider of beef and hog genetics. The 78 hog producers in our province sell more than two million hogs annually. We also have a vibrant sheep, goat, poultry and bison producing industry. Our livestock herd continues to draw international attention, creating investment opportunities in value-added meat processing.
Saskatchewan is also home to the largest livestock show in Canada. Canadian Western Agribition (CWA) takes place in Regina every November and is anchored by beef cattle but also features horses, bison and sheep and an extensive agribusiness trade show. This event, which regularly attracts more than 125,000 visitors, is a meeting place for people from all over the world who are interested in top-quality cattle and beef genetics. The event is an international hub of excellence, hosting over 1,200 international guests from over 86 countries.
Specialty Agriculture
Saskatchewan is the world's leading producer and exporter of many specialty crops such as mustard seed, canary seed and herbs and spices. Other crops produced include honey, Saskatoon berries, organic products and potatoes. Saskatchewan exported $161 million worth of mustard seed in 2023. Canary seed production accounted for 90.5 per cent (101,546 metric tonnes) of Canada's total production in 2023. Saskatchewan is also home to almost 7,000 farmed elk and deer.
For high-quality digital versions of our marketing materials in Spanish, Mandarin or Japanese, please contact:
Trade and Value-Added Branch
Email: doingagbusiness@gov.sk.ca