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Check combine settings to reduce harvest loss

Farmers are moving through the crops as they bring in this year's harvest.

Harvest can be a stressful time as farmers spend many long hours in the combine and trucks trying to get the crop in before a change in the weather.

Taking a break and getting out of the driver's seat, even walking around and checking the combine is key for your own mental health and the efficiency of the machine. 

Making sure the combine is clear of debris and running efficiently is important to prevent not only fires but also grain loss.

With the ongoing drought in many areas and the value of the crop, it's key that farmers do what they can to prevent loss by checking and calibrating the combine settings not just between crops but sometimes between field conditions. 

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Sclerotinia and Lygus in Seed Canola: Field Update with George Lubberts, CCA | Enchant, Alberta

Video: Sclerotinia and Lygus in Seed Canola: Field Update with George Lubberts, CCA | Enchant, Alberta

Join Certified Crop Advisor George Lubberts for this Prairie Certified Crop Advisor (Prairie CCA) field update from Enchant, Alberta. In this 12th video of the series, George takes us into a seed canola field where the male rows have been removed and the female plants are filling pods. This video was taken in the third week of August 2025.

George discusses the early signs of sclerotinia stem rot, explaining how infection begins in the stem, impacts pod development, and leads to premature ripening. He also shares insights on lygus bug management, including timing of spray applications to minimize feeding damage and maintain seed size and quality.

With cool, damp summer conditions, George notes that while disease pressure is present, overall field health remains good. The crop is just beginning to show early seed colour change, signaling progress toward maturity.

Topics Covered:

•Sclerotinia stem rot identification and impact

•Managing lygus bugs in seed canola

•Crop stage and seed colour change observations

•Timing insecticide sprays for optimal protection

•Insights from a CCA field perspective in southern Alberta