Saskatchewan's 2023 Clubroot Survey showed no visible increases in clubroot symptoms and only one field where the pathogen was detected through DNA testing.

Over 500 fields were examined as part of the survey through the clubroot monitoring program. 

Agriculture Minister David Marit says the map is an important tool for producers and specialists providing the information needed to make the best decisions for their operations.

Under the program, Sask Canola pays for and selects the RM's,  while SARM helps distribute the soil testing bags.

Sask Canola Chair Keith Fournier says investing in clubroot testing continues to raise awareness and support mitigation, adding they remain dedicated to investing levy dollars into clubroot related research.

He's pleased to see a slowdown in the disease noting that the drier conditions may be one factor contributing to the trend coming down.

"You know, when we have those drier Springs, we're not hauling soil around hung up onto our air drills or into the tires of the tractor. And you know, that's something that does spread the clubroot pathogen from one field to the next and from one area to the next."

Overall, the total number of commercial fields in Saskatchewan with visible clubroot symptoms remains at 82, while as a result of DNA testing there are now 43 fields identified as having the clubroot pathogen.

Clubroot is one of the pests the Province is apparently looking at removing from its Pest Control Act.

The ministry of agriculture is reviewing what's listed as pests and is considering the potential deregulation of grasshoppers, richardson ground squirrels and clubroot.

Fournier says they're in favor of having clubroot removed.

"One of the biggest things that we find is a hindrance with trying to get awareness out about the clubroot is that there's a stigma about it. That, you know, their land's gonna devalue or they're not gonna be able to farm with clubroot. A lot of research has gone out there which will prove otherwise. You know, if you got club root, you can still farm with it."

He says the awareness of where it is in the province is still very important.

Fournier notes the province and Sask Canola are committed to continuing the Clubroot Survey Testing because farmers need to be aware of the situation.