Germany has the highest canola (a.k.a. oilseed rape) yields in the world, according to USDA Foreign Agricultural Service statistics, and the European Union as a bloc now edges Canada for top tonnage produced. What can we learn from Germany?
Provincial crop planning guides are excellent resources for farmers to compare their own numbers and make adjustments to improve their results.
Growers who achieve consistent top-level yields have the machinery prepped and inputs on hand so they’re ready when good seeding, spraying and harvest conditions come along – but they’re not waiting for perfect conditions.
To grow more canola on the same land base, choose cultivars with disease resistance that matches the needs of the farm, use a fertilizer rate that supports the field yield goal, and prepare the land for strong emergence.
Observe fields, record information and review this information annually. Paying attention to these details is critical to top yields.