When it comes to establishing a successful canola crop, what you do in the fall can be just as important as what happens at seeding.
In this episode of RealAgriculture’s Canola School, Mike Palmier, agronomist and partner at MNP Ag Intellect, talks about the key strategies for managing cereal trash to optimize canola emergence in the spring.
Palmier emphasizes that good trash management begins with tall, intact cereal stubble left at harvest. Not only does this help capture more snow — which translates directly into more moisture — it also creates microclimates that shield young canola seedlings from wind and intense sunlight.
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When it comes to the economics of collecting snow throughout the winter, Palmier says that according to the research, “for… every additional inch of snow that we’re able to capture, we equate that to 1.1 bushels of canola.” He goes on to add, “in today’s market, it’s 30, $31 an acre… it can add up. And that’s all on the bottom line. There’s no additional cost.”
Good trash management isn’t just about gear — it’s also about restraint. Over-aggressive harrowing in the fall can flatten stubble, especially on hilltops where you need it most. Palmier advises a lighter touch to spread straw without disturbing the soil.
And what about seeding? Seed between the rows with precision to avoid pulling up last year’s straw and reduce early stress. That means fine-tuning your air drill setup for inter-row seeding and investing in GPS systems with repeatable accuracy, especially in fields with more topography, Palmier says.
As producers hit the field this spring, Palmier encourages a thoughtful, timely approach, reminding growers to stick to their target plant stand and take care of themselves during the busy season ahead.
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