Canola Growers Can Maximize Profits by Rotating Canola Systems
By Amanda Brodhagen, Farms.com
Canola is one of Canada’s most consistent and highest profit generating crops, so it’s probably no surprise given its high market value that some growers are using tight canola rotations in order to capitalize on the crop’s profitability.
Barry Chappell, a producer from Hamiota, Manitoba estimates that less than 50% of growers actually rotate their canola systems to maximize their yields.
Understanding the value of system rotation is important. Chappell provides some insight into some of those benefits. The first thing to know is that rotating canola systems can help boost yield, improve weed control and assist with better disease and weed resistance management. Another value for the grower is that by rotating systems it allows for herbicide groups with different modes of action – this can be a real benefit in volunteer control.
The Canola Council of Canada also encourages rotating canola systems. In Canola Watch it says, “Growers who choose to seed canola on canola should rotate herbicide-tolerance systems on that field. For example, if they seeded Roundup Ready canola two years ago, this year use a different system on that field. This provides an important opportunity for post-emergent volunteer control, especially if growers missed an opportunity to apply herbicide before seeding.”
It’s essential that growers adopt best practices in order to mitigate risk by rotating their canola systems. Rotating to another canola variety or growing canola on a three year rotation cycle are growers best options to help combat disease and to maximize yield.
More information on best practices can be found on the Canola Council of Canada’s website.