SASKATCHEWAN — In Saskatchewan, agriculture accounts for 10 per cent of the provincial economy and 41 per cent of the province’s total global exports.
“Agriculture is a huge part of the province. It’s in our DNA. Saskatchewan is known as the breadbasket, but continuous crop diversity has made us much more than the breadbasket,” said Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister Daryl Harrison.
This harvest season, Harrison is reminding everyone who works in the sector to prioritize safety. That includes taking frequent breaks, eating proper meals, getting enough sleep, keeping fire-suppressing equipment on hand, and watching for power lines when moving machinery.
It is also important to watch for large equipment on roads and highways.
“Farm safety year-round is important, but when harvest comes, everyone picks up the pace,” said Harrison. “You are tempted to take some shortcuts. I want to remind people to please remember it only takes a couple of seconds for something bad to happen.”
With a dry season across much of the province, Harrison stressed having some form of fire suppression on hand.
“We want to be aware that fires are a reality,” he said. “Producers are good at this but I remind everyone to have some sort of firefighting equipment in the field whether it’s something on the combine, or a water truck at the edge of the field to try and prevent that fire before it’s widespread.”
With many pieces of machinery used during harvest, Harrison reminded everyone to take precautions.
“It’s very common to find multiple family members involved in harvest operations,” he said. “We want everyone to get home safe at night.”
That includes giving farm equipment enough space on the road.
“When motorists are travelling down our rural roads or highways, be mindful of the slow-moving equipment. Farmers plan their routes well, so we want to make sure they get there in the best way they can. Use pilot vehicles when applicable and take the time to be patient. It may take three extra minutes to get to your destination, but it’s big and wide equipment. We don’t want anyone hurt,” said Harrison.
He also pointed out that safety includes mental health.
“Don’t get yourself too tired. Take breaks and have a drink of water. Be sure you are communicating with your crew. If you need to, get off a piece of equipment for a period of time to shake the cobwebs out. Do whatever it takes to keep your mind in the game,” said Harrison.
Harrison said producers should also set a good example for employees.
“Harvest is just getting started across the province. It’s a mad rush against Mother Nature, whether it’s rain or heavy dew in the morning. You are coming in late in the evening, so your hours to harvest are sometimes limited on a lot of the days, but be mindful that even though it’s busy, take time, and use patience. Make sure you are not setting a bad example for your young employees or family members. It’s a learned behaviour. We need everyone to go home safe,” he said.
Producers are reminded mental health supports are available, including the Farm Stress Line, which provides free, confidential support 24/7 at 1-800-667-4442.
Those interested can follow the 2025 Crop Report on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) at @SKAgriculture or by visiting www.saskatchewan.ca/crop-report.
