Scout fields before seeding, to see if the canola residue has pseudothecia — tiny black dots that release spores.

Slowing blackleg resistance with rotation

Labelling canola seed could help farmers slow the development of genetic resistance

As blackleg resurges in Western Canada, canola growers and agronomists have been calling for seed companies to label the blackleg resistance genes on their varieties. Those labels would allow farmers to rotate resistance genes when one resistant variety breaks, the thinking goes. “We’ve been engaged with the industry over the last few years to see […] Read more

Look for cankers at swathing time. Farmers who scout regularly and don’t find blackleg might want to stick with similar canola varieties.

Managing blackleg on the farm

Clint Jurke of the Canola Council of Canada offers producers three tips

Clint Jurke, agronomy director for the Canola Council of Canada says the industry is “losing millions of dollars in terms of canola yields every year due to blackleg.” The disease is also a trade issue, and we need to improve control as much as possible, he adds. “We really want growers to look at what […] Read more


Mike Nelson of Westaskiwin, Alta., had the highest canola yield among contest participants, but the challenge continues to hit the 100 bushel target.

Canola 100 Challenge still waiting for a winner

Canola 100: The top yield was 81.4 bushels per acre in 2016. Will we have a winner next year?

Fortunately there’s next year. While there was no 100 bushel canola yield winner in the first-ever 2016 Canola 100 challenge, organizers say that isn’t necessarily all bad, as the interest, excitement and momentum will carry on in 2017. None of the 21 western Canadian farmer finalists who registered for the high yield contest produced a […] Read more



Dr. Mario Tenuta looks at arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi through a microscope at CanolaPALOOZA, hosted by the Manitoba Canola Growers Association and the Canola Council of Canada at Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, in June.

Nurture fungus for good growth

Find out why your flax suffers following canola. It’s all about the fungus

There are a of things to consider when you’re planning long-term rotations: herbicide rotations, nitrogen needs, rainfall. How about adding fungus to that list? The relationship between fungi in your soil and plant roots has a big impact on your crop health. This relationship can cause flax to be stunted when it’s grown in rotation after canola. […] Read more

Check with buyers before you treat

Check with buyers before you treat

Buyers don’t want canola treated with quinclorac or wheat treated with chlormequat

The message is clear: two herbicides are no longer viable options in Western Canada. This spring, the Western Grain Elevator Association (WGEA) and the Canola Oilseed Processors Association (COPA) individually announced their members will not accept canola treated with quinclorac or wheat treated with chlormequat in the 2016 crop year. The decision comes due to […] Read more


Be ready for canola harvest

Be ready for canola harvest

Agronomy tips... from the field

When planning your canola harvest this season, remember that it’s never a bad idea to seed hybrids with a mix of maturity timings. This will allow you to space out your harvest timing as fields are coming ready. From a risk management standpoint, those different-maturity varieties will not be at the same susceptible growth stages […] Read more



Growers should only use an insecticide when an economic threshold for a pest is reached.

Don’t jump the gun on pest control

It’s never a good idea to overreact when you see insects on your crops because jumping the gun, and spraying if it’s not really necessary, can do more harm than good. “Seldom, if ever, do preventative insecticides actually pay us,” says Scott Meers, insect specialist with Alberta Agriculture and Forestry. “When we spray just to […] Read more

flea beetle damage on a leaf

Flea beetle scouting strategies

Agronomy tips... from the field

The one nice thing about striped and crucifer flea beetles is that they’re quite easy to tell apart. And based on previous years, you should already have a fairly good idea of whether you have one or the other species in your fields. Here are few key things to remember about striped and crucifer flea […] Read more