This year’s thin canola crop may force some producers to take their chances with straight cutting.
“Typically we recommend a well-knit, even crop — something that the wind won’t shake, rattle, and roll — so that we prevent shattering and loss,” said Keith Gabert, Canola Council of Canada agronomist.
“This year will be a little different. I have a lot of growers saying they’re going to try straight cutting because they have a thin enough crop that they don’t want to put it on the ground. They’re afraid to swath it… It’s podding a couple of inches from the ground. There’s not enough stubble to anchor that swath even if they did cut it.”
Read Also
New crop insurer policy enables easier startup for faba beans
Agriculture Financial Services Corporation updated its normals for faba beans, which may open the door for more Canadian producers to feel comfortable growing the pulse crop in the future.
- More on the Alberta Farmer: Crack open some pods before swathing canola, agronomist
Those who haven’t straight cut before should hedge their bets, he said.
“Start swathing a little later, when you’re well past that 30 per cent (colour change),” said Gabert. “When you start feeling concerned that your swather is shelling things out, then you stop. Hopefully that’s leaving you with 20 or 30 per cent of your crop left standing to swath so you’re not putting all your eggs into one basket by straight cutting for the first time.
“It’s going to be a learning opportunity for us, and I hope it’s not a lesson we repeat.”
