When making your seed buying decision for 2016, do your homework and check out the latest canola performance data and look at a variety’s entire agronomic package on top of the yield numbers. For my money, your best source is going to be the CPT (Canola Performance Trials), available online and through provincial seed guides, and […] Read more
The low-down on new canola hybrids
Time your post-harvest herbicide
Agronomy tips... from the field
If your time it right, a post-harvest herbicide application can be an excellent way to set up your field for seeding next spring. The idea is to control emerging winter annuals, such as hawk’s beard and shepherd’s purse as well as perennial weeds such as dandelions and Canadian thistle in crops that you’ve swathed. Going […] Read more
Use a true desiccant for best dry-down
A big part of getting high quality peas and lentils in the bin is using a “true” desiccant that gives you a fast, even dry down. How I define a “true” desiccant? Simple. A true desiccant is not systemic and works by actively bursting the live cell of the plant on contact, thus releasing moisture. […] Read more
Does it pay to spray fungicide for blackleg?
When you’re looking to guard your canola against blackleg, does it pay to spray a fungicide? The short answer is yes — especially if you’re running a tight canola-wheat rotation. Short rotations put you at the highest risk of developing a blackleg infection, since the fungus can overwinter on diseased canola stubble year over year […] Read more
The 4Rs of wild oat control
Agronomy tips... from the field
You might have heard about the 4Rs of nutrient management: applying the right product at the right rate at the right time and in the right place. Now, we can take those same concepts and apply them to a wild oat program. First — the right product. Look at whether you’re dealing with a light […] Read more
Seed treatments maximize potential
Agronomy tips... from the field
Seed treatments can’t walk on water, but they’ll help to enhance the existing seed quality that you have. That’s why it’s very important to select the highest-quality seed you can possibly get. A good start to the year will put you in the best position to maximize the genetic potential of your pulse crop. If […] Read more
Take a stand against Rhizoctonia
No matter what you’re planning to grow this season — be it soybeans, canola or pulses — protecting that crop from Rhizoctonia and ensuring a good, strong stand establishment should be your first priority. I’ve seen many situations where Rhizoctonia infections in fields have caused seed rot and decay, pre and post emergence damping off, […] Read more
Making sense of seed tests
Agronomy tips... from the field
When you’re looking to get your crop off to the best possible start this season, the last thing you need is to be saddled with poor quality seed. That’s why I always recommend you take the time now to get your seed tested at an accredited laboratory. Knowledge is power and having a clear idea […] Read more
Three factors when choosing the right canola
For most growers, canola yield pays the bills. So it’s important to get things right and look beyond last year’s yield data to get a complete picture of a variety. Here are the top three factors I look for when reading my provincial canola guide. First is yield stability. It’s an indication of how well […] Read more
Look beyond your yield
Agronomy tips... from the field
When it comes to cereal seed selection, it’s easy to default to the variety with the highest provincial average yield. But what’s good province-wide might not be best for your farm. Instead, decide are what the most important attributes to you. Besides yield, is it protein, fusarium head blight (FHB) tolerance, rust tolerance, lodging, maturity […] Read more
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
