Be on time – Canola Digest

With the current marketplace, elevated input costs and especially escalating land prices, how do we grow more on the acres we have? Well, there are many answers to this question, and it’s been discussed for years. Some things we can manage very effectively, but we must always remember that Mother Nature has the last move.

Growing more on the land we have comes down to a well thought out plan. All successful crop production has an integrated plan to manage a diversified rotation. Canola requires a more systems approach and has a higher level of risk, especially compared to cereals.

This article outlines four of the most important steps – timing, soil testing, cultivar selection and scouting.

Be on time. Timing has the potential to make an incredible difference between a good crop and an amazing crop. Seeding date, pre-seed burn, in-crop herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, swathing, pre-harvest or desiccation. We’ve all had the experiences of looking over the fence line and drawing comparisons and wondering why! Timing is one of those input decisions that does not cost any more to do, but the payback for performing timely tasks can be very rewarding. Most often, early is better than late, especially for weed, insect and disease control. All properly timed management decisions will provide an incremental gain.

Soil test for balanced nutrition. Crop nutrition can become a significant limiting factor. Always plan for a home run, but don’t be unreasonable with your expectations and acknowledge the 4Rs.

You must maintain a balanced nutrition plan. Avoid creating more of an imbalance – which can actually reduce or limit yields. More nitrogen is not always better. Manure is king! If you have access to any form of manure, this can pay huge dividends and provide payback for many years to come.

Choose cultivars that suit the farm. Select canola varieties with genetics and traits well suited to your area or micro-climate. I suggest doing small scale variety trials each year to determine which varieties and systems will perform the best on your farm.

Seed treatment options are plentiful. Make sure to cover your bases effectively for additional pathology concerns, flea beetle pressure and cutworms. The proper seed treatment choice can alleviate a significant amount of stress during establishment and early crop development. Reduced abiotic and biotic stress for the plants is important, but reduced mental stress for the farmer
is critical.

Field scouting is a must. Increased frequency will pay dividends. It’s not like Ron Popeil would say, “Set it and forget it.” Canola requires a bit of pampering and coddling. Canola likes to have weekly visits at a minimum, and even more during critical times.