The Economy

Saskatchewan has changed greatly since it became a province in 1905. Back then, agriculture was the only industry, and it centred on wheat farming. Today, Saskatchewan produces over 54 percent of the wheat grown in Canada. Other crops include canola, rye, oats, barley and flaxseed. Saskatchewan is also a major producer of cattle and hogs. The average Saskatchewan farm is about 420 hectares in size.

Northern Saskatchewan's 350 000 km2 of forests are the province's most important renewable natural resource. Softwoods (coniferous trees) are the focal point of forestry development.

Saskatchewan is also a province rich in minerals. Potash, uranium, coal, oil and natural gas are the leading mineral resources.

Saskatchewan's almost 19,000 active oil wells produce about 20 percent of Canada's total oil output. In addition, with an estimated two-thirds of the world's reserves, Saskatchewan is the leading exporter of potash.

Research and development is a growing business in Saskatchewan, as attested to by the inauguration of Saskatoon's Innovation Centre and more recently, the construction of the Canadian Light Source synchrotron, one of only a few such facilities in the world. The province's technological potential in agriculture, space technology and biotechnology is now recognized internationally.