Weeds that emerge at the same time or shortly after the crop contribute to the largest yield losses in canola. Watch the short video above to learn more about the importance of early weed control.
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How to balance seeding well under time pressure?
With initial seeding deadlines now only a couple weeks away, pressure is mounting to get seeds into the ground, especially in slow-to-dry areas. Use the time while waiting for fields to dry to ensure equipment is prepped for optimal seeding. There is still time for proper seeding: broadcast seeding is not yet recommended. However, if floating in canola might ultimately be required, pre-think an appropriately protected fertilizer that can be applied alongside. (Fertilizer product choices) (Broadcast seeding canola tips)
Whether late seeding is due to excess moisture or to cutworms/crusting forcing reseeding, take time to seed right: you have just one opportunity to start the crop well. Are shorter season varieties worth considering if too few days remain in the growing window for your preferred varieties? (Management practices for optimal emergence) (Eight practices to maximize canola seed survival)
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How best to tackle weeds now?
Excess moisture, windy conditions and the pressure to seed mean weeds haven’t yet been effectively controlled in all fields. Early weed control is the best option economically. Because waiting to spray until pre-emergence or in-crop mean weeds will be bigger and harder to control, get in and spray as soon as possible. If a burn-off doesn’t occur before the crop emerges, the crop will be in a significant yield loss situation and timely in-crop weed control is critical.
If field access remains a challenge due to moisture, it may be necessary to move from two herbicide passes to one. Use the one-pass opportunity well, optimizing efficacy through rate, tank mix partners and spraying early. This article provides recommendations for achieving good weed control when spraying in challenging conditions.
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What’s notable for insects this week?
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What’s ahead for grasshoppers?
Last year’s provincial survey results maps showed high levels of grasshoppers across the Prairies. That, together with nearly ideal conditions for egg laying last fall, mean the grasshopper forecast for this growing season is notably high. Hatching is now being reported across a broad geographic area, which is more typical timing than last year’s very early emergence. While cool weather slows development, it won’t have a killing impact on eggs, though high humidity could reduce numbers somewhat by increasing fungal infection in nymphs. Scout carefully. The Prairie Pest Monitoring Network recommends this grasshopper monitoring protocol. Until now, the threshold for spraying has been 10-12 adult grasshoppers/meter2. Saskatchewan’s Provincial Insect Specialist, Dr. James Tansey, reports that a new threshold – this time for nymphs at 30-45/meter2 —is under discussion. (Label update for lambda-cyhalothrin)
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Quiz: Weed ID, part 2
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Five more weeds to identify. Take the quiz to pick up a few scouting and management tips…
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UPCOMING EVENT:
Registration is now open for the Water Security Agency (WSA)’s Point of Adequate Outlet (PAO) course. To register, contact Heather Davies. The one-day refresher course (for those who have previously taken a PAO course) will be held June 13 from 10am-3pm near Esterhazy, SK. Full introductory PAO course dates are as follows:
* June 10 online virtual session (9-11am) + June 12 field day near Moose Jaw, SK (9am-3pm)
* Sept 20 online virtual session (9-11am) + Sept 26 field day near Yorkton, SK (9am-3pm)
* Oct 4 online virtual session (9-11am) + Oct 9 field day near Moose Jaw, SK (9am-3pm)
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UPCOMING EVENT:
2024 Farming Smarter Field School: June 26-27, Lethbridge, AB
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UPCOMING EVENT:
Crop Diagnostic School will be back at the Ian N. Morrison Research Station (Carman, MB) from July 3-5, 2024 and July 9-11, 2024. Registration details will be available soon.
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UPCOMING EVENT:
SaskCanola sponsored Summer 2024 events: Various dates and locations from July 10-24.
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UPCOMING EVENT:
Saskatchewan Crop Diagnostic School: Hosted by Saskatchewan Agriculture and Northeast Agriculture Research Foundation (NARF), July 24 or 25 in Melfort, SK. Limited spaces are available, so register early to guarantee your spot. To register, click here.
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FUNDING OPPORTUNITY FOR BC FARMERS:
BC Agricultural Water Infrastructure Program, which aims to increase adoption of efficient irrigation infrastructure and improve ag water supply and management in BC, is open to applications as of May 30. For more information, click here.
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RESOURCE:
Read the Canola Research Hub blog
Preparing for 2024: Canola disease recap
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RESOURCE:
Cleanfarms’ ag plastic recycling: click here for what to recycle and where. Click here for more information about recycling large tote bags.
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RESOURCE:
Tick Tactics: Understanding and avoiding ticks – a new podcast from Real Agriculture featuring Dr. Curtis Russell of Public Health Ontario (PHO).
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RESOURCE:
University of Manitoba Faculty Conversation: “What bugs a farmer’s crops? Assessing damage in Canola” – Recording now available here. A conversation with researchers Alexandro Costamagna, Hectoro Carcamo and Canola Council agronomist Keith Gabert on flea beetles and lygus bugs.
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RESOURCE:
Keep it Clean 2024 Product Advisory Webinar – Recording now available here. Watch the webinar for an overview of the crop protection product and crop combinations that may cause market risks for the 2024 growing season.
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RESOURCE:
Subscribe to SaskCanola’s texting service
To receive weekly oilseed market outlook reports and canola agronomy resources, subscribe to SaskCanola’s texting service; sent 2-3 times per week by text depending on season and issues. You may unsubscribe at any time. Have questions for SaskCanola? Farmers can also text the number to initiate a two-way conversation with SaskCanola’s staff. Click here for details on how to subscribe.
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SUPPORT:
Are you or is someone you know feeling burnt out, unreasonably stressed or exhausted? Help is available.
– Support lines by province
– Do More Ag Foundation
– Manitoba Farmer Wellness Program
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