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June 19, 2024 – Issue #12
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In the short video above, CCC agronomy specialist Jason Casselman reminds #canola farmers and agronomists to check plant counts and stand uniformity while scouting for weeds, insects and diseases. Stands within the ideal range of 5-8 plants per sq. ft. give a bit of a cushion for potential plant losses in-season. Be sure to record plant counts at CanolaCounts.ca to help improve seeding methods for next year.
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Does the crop have enough fertility for top yield?
Growing conditions so far this year are quite similar to 2016, which was the highest yielding canola year in Canada. What may stand in the way of great yields this year, however, is soil fertility: following multiple years of drought, many producers have cut back on nutrient rates. In extremely wet soils, N losses may also be a factor in nutrient deficiency. Consider the potential benefits of top-dressing. If wind limits opportunity for herbicide spraying, consider using the time to bump up the crop’s fertility and its corresponding yield potential, if suitable for your scenario. (Tips to apply nitrogen and sulphur in season) (Volatilization losses from surface applied nitrogen) (Canola Encyclopedia: nitrogen)
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Spring frost: what next?
Temperatures dipped below zero in multiple regions in the last few days. Wait four or more days to assess damage. Canola seedlings will usually recover from a light spring frost. After a heavier frost (below -2°C for a few hours) look for survival of the stem, green color at the growing points in the centre of the frozen leaf rosettes, and for hypocotyls to appear thick and not pinched off. Frost stress makes weeds less susceptible to herbicide, which is why it’s best to wait three to four days for weeds to resume growing after a frost before applying herbicide. (Spring frost: when to resume weed control) (Spring frost: did the crop survive) (Canola Encyclopedia: frost)
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Why count plants? (And what if there are too many?)
Counting canola around the 2-4 leaf stage gives important insight into seeding success (seed placement, seeder consistency), early season crop health (emergence percentage, insect feeding), and later season crop uniformity. Here’s how to count plants. If plant counts are at the high end or exceed the recommended 5-8 plants per square foot, use this year’s emergence as a ‘top end’ benchmark to influence future years’ management choices. A very dense stand will have thinner stalks, may self-thin, and is likely to reach maturity early due to less branching. A thick plant stand, especially in combination with high moisture / high humidity, can also provide an excellent microclimate for sclerotinia development. Email dicksont@canolacouncil.org if you’d like a Canola Counts ring to help take plant counts. (Canola Counts)
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How to tackle weeds despite challenging spraying conditions?
Field access continues to be an issue in many acres due to wind and excess moisture. To maximize herbicide efficacy when it is possible to get into the field:
- Prioritize the highest potential fields,
- Scout to know what kinds and stages of weeds are present,
- Consider bumping up herbicide to a higher labelled rate if it’s likely there will only be opportunity for one pass,
- Ask: is it worth spraying? If a first pass was applied, how successful was it? Could canola growth outpace weed growth?
- Time it well: the interval between passes is generally 5-7 days. Are weeds up and growing enough to justify tightening that window?
- If a second pass is possible and necessary, assess: is the target late-emerging weeds or weeds that didn’t die the first time?
(Spraying tips for tough conditions) (Weed control strategies for each HT system) (Spray early – economics of early weed control)
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Quiz: Yellow leaves
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Why are these canola leaves yellow? Take this matching quiz and click “submit” to find the answers and pick up a few agronomy tips…
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CROP INSURANCE DEADLINES:
– Alberta: AFSC deadlines
– Saskatchewan: June 20 is the final deadline but dates are different to be covered for fall frost; find out the deadline for your area with the seeding date tool.
– Manitoba: MASC deadlines.
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OPPORTUNITY
Contribute to valuable research by collecting sclerotia in canola: A new research project examining whether sclerotinia in canola has developed fungicide tolerance needs field samples. Samples from 100 fields are needed in both Manitoba and Saskatchewan. Please collect sclerotia or 2-5 infected stem-pieces in canola fields after harvest, then ship using the address and other information in this pdf. If you have questions, email AAFC Research Scientist Lone.Buchwaldt@agr.gc.ca. Thanks in advance for your help!
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CROP DIAGNOSTICS
Canola Council agronomy specialists and other provincial canola specialists are available to help diagnose issues in crops. However, they need adequate information and good photographs to be able to provide meaningful advice. Here are photography tips and good guidelines for submitting samples.
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REBATE:
The Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM) is administering a 50:50 cost-share rebate program for efforts to control ground squirrel populations. The deadline to claim under the 2024-25 program is July 31, 2024. For more information, click here.
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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. Full introductory PAO course dates are as follows:
* 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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PEST SURVEY and MAPPING:
Each year, surveyors conduct field visits to gather information for insect survey and population maps in Alberta. In addition, producers can fill out this online Cutworm web submission form to report the location and other details about suspected cutworm finds. Use this interactive map of Alberta to view Cutworm survey results.
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UPCOMING EVENT:
2024 Farming Smarter Field School: June 26-27, Lethbridge, AB
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UPCOMING EVENT:
Manitoba 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 are available here.
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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:
Register for Keep it Clean’s pre-harvest tips & tools webinar. Growers, agronomists, agri-retailers and other industry members are invited to join the Keep it Clean webinar on July 10 at 11 a.m. CDT for timely pre-harvest tips and tools to protect the marketability of Canada’s canola, cereal and pulse crops. Topics include proper staging for pre-harvest glyphosate application, the importance of following pre-harvest intervals for crop protection products and scouting for disease. More information and registration.
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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 newest Canola Research Hub blog
Thirteen new projects underway for CARP in 2024
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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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