Crop Production

Field Lessons Learned

Lessons Learned in 2003-2004

Yields & test weights were good and quality was No. 1. Green seed was not a problem. Winter tolerance was excellent.
We need for more variety performance data.
Wide spread use of Finesse and Maverick on wheat is currently a limiting factor in rotation to canola.
Crop must be combined when it is ready.
Seed bed preparation is important! Good seed to soil contact with moisture is required. Consider stale seed beds at planting.
Canola can be harvested when wheat is to damp or tough to thrash.
Major canola diseases were not a problem.
Late freeze at flowering showed minor effect on overall yields.
Volunteer canola in wheat the following year will be easy to control.
Carefully evaluate a thin stand in the spring before destroying it.
Winter wheat is a major weed species in winter canola.
Grazing can seriously hurt canola yields.
You will have volunteer canola in fields after harvest.
Cutworms can become a serious fall and winter problem.
Excellent weed control with Roundup Ultra Max II in RR canola fields. Still have questions on RR and conventional herbicides with rates and timings.
Canola is an excellent forage compared to wheat. Canola has approximately twice the RFV.
Aphid (Cabbage aphid) management during flowering and after flowering are important.
Custom combine crews know how to harvest canola
More information is needed when planting canola in no-till situations. But what we have seen looks good. Planting speed seems to be an issue.
Drills need to be calibrated before planting canola.
Best to plant after a rain than before a rain.
Be careful banding fertilizer with the canola seed.
Clean sprayer thoroughly before spraying canola.