Topics for the month

Growers still looking for some independent data to help with their final canola seed decisions this spring can try out the new selection tool to utilize the Canola Performance Trial variety comparison data online.

Some growers may be tempted to seed extra early. Early seeding usually improves canola yield potential and quality, but these benefits depend on survival of a sufficient plant population (4-5 plants per square foot, minimum). An early-seeded crop that is thin and uneven because of a damaging frost will not meet yield and quality expectations.

Canola in a tight rotation may benefit from higher fertilizer rates. If you have extra input dollars to spend, nitrogen is your best bet. Make sure your fertilizer is ready to go so it’s on the farm or available for immediate delivery when seeding starts.

Follow us on Twitter. Canola Watch and the Canola Council of Canada agronomists will send agronomy updates through 140-character Twitter messages you can get instantly on your smart phone or computer. Click the little Twitter icon at the top of this email to sign up, and then add us to your “follow” list.

Jay Whetter     @CanolaWatch

Alberta agronomists:
Doug Moisey    @MoiseyCCC
Dan Orchard    @OrchardCCC
Troy Prosofsky     @ProsofskyCCC
Greg Sekulic    @SekulicCCC

Saskatchewan agronomists:
Clint Jurke         @JurkeCCC
Tiffany Martinka    @MartinkaCCC
Shawn Senko     @SenkoCCC

Manitoba agronomist:
Angela Brackenreed    @BrackenreedCCC