|
June 12, 2024 – Issue #11
|
|
Does your canola need a foliar blackleg fungicide? Some fields, especially in Manitoba, probably do. In the short video above, CCC agronomist Chris Manchur explains that there are a few factors to consider.
|
|
How (and whether) to put seeds in the ground this late?
Where excess moisture delayed seeding:
Planting canola half an inch to an inch deep into warm, moist soil and packing lightly offers seed the best chance for success. However, because it is now mid-June, broadcast seeding may be an ‘in-a-pinch’ option where excess moisture limits opportunity to seed properly. Broadcast seeding is not a well-researched management practice, but these tips have been developed through experience.
Where cutworms, frost or other emergence issues have compromised the crop:
There are both pros and cons to reseeding in mid-June. Due to canola’s ability to branch, an established, uniform, well-managed canola stand with as few as two plants per square foot typically has higher economic potential than a thicker stand reseeded late. To optimize a thin stand, be extra vigilant about weed control and pest management. A thin stand will be harvest-ready later (likely October) as the plants will need extra time to branch and fill in. See this week’s Community Connections for crop insurance seeding deadlines.
|
|
How to bump up fertility now?
If canola is emerging well and there’s adequate soil moisture, there may be opportunity to push the crop’s yield potential by adding in-season nutrition. Keep 4R practices (right source, right rate, right time, right place) in mind. When applying a foliar fertilizer or mixing nutrients into a herbicide application, ask: how much nutrition is this really adding? Dribble-banded and broadcast applications are the most effective way to add additional nitrogen and sulphur, but take steps to minimize volatilization losses of nitrogen. Prioritize boosting fields with the highest yield potential, which could mean ‘borrowing’ nutrients originally intended for lower-potential, later-seeded fields. (Tips to add nitrogen and sulphur in-season)
|
|
What to watch for in pests this week?
- Gophers: Zinc phosphide offers statistically similar control to strychnine (but should not be confused with aluminum phosphide, which requires special training for applicators). Young plants are full of vitamin K, which is the antidote for anti-coagulants. More control options are detailed here. Saskatchewan is offering a cost-shared rebate program for gopher control efforts.
Protect beneficials!
|
|
Are unregistered tank mixes worth the risk?
Unregistered tank mixes may seem like an opportunity to save time and/or money, but the risks are high. Off-label mixes are not supported by product manufacturers, which means all risk is carried by the producer. For those who choose to tank mix despite the risks, always jar test first and be aware that mixes may impact each product’s efficacy. Mixing order matters. Foliar fertilizers and biologicals are generally benign alongside herbicides but occasionally cause compatibility issues including ‘hot’ herbicide or compromised efficacy. Be aware that PMRA is currently tightening rules and moving towards unregistered mixes being illegal. (KeepItClean.ca)
|
|
 |
|
Quiz: Weed control challenges
|
Growers face challenges to timely weed control. Here are three questions to help get the most from weed control sprays…
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
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:
* 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)
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
UPCOMING EVENT:
2024 Farming Smarter Field School: June 26-27, Lethbridge, AB
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
UPCOMING EVENT:
SaskCanola sponsored Summer 2024 events: Various dates and locations from July 10-24.
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
RESOURCE:
Read the newest Canola Research Hub blog
Thirteen new projects underway for CARP in 2024
|
|
|
|
RESOURCE:
Cleanfarms’ ag plastic recycling: click here for what to recycle and where. Click here for more information about recycling large tote bags.
|
|
|
|
RESOURCE:
Tick Tactics: Understanding and avoiding ticks – a new podcast from Real Agriculture featuring Dr. Curtis Russell of Public Health Ontario (PHO).
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
