Agricultural News
Lessons Learned from 2014 Canola Crop
Wed, 30 Jul 2014 12:28:48 CDT
The 2014 crop year will be one that will forever standout in the mind of Oklahoma canola farmers. Speaking at the 10th Annual Canola Conference in Enid, Great Plains Canola Association Canola Field Specialist Heath Sanders said the year brought a plethora of problems throughout the growing season.
"It's definitely one that I want to always have it to reference and remember, but I don't want to see one like this for a long time," Sanders said.
Click on the LISTEN BAR below to hear our conversation with Heath Sanders about the 2014 canola year and recommendations for the 2015 crop year.
In looking ahead to the 2015 crop, Sanders said it starts with selecting multiple varieties and seed bed preparation. Farmers should consider calibrating their seed drill prior to planting. Sander said farmers need to be cautious about moisture availability.
"If it's going to be a wet year, then we don't need to planting it very deep in order to get that crop out of the ground," Sanders said. "If it is going to a little more challenging year, a little drier year, and rain is going to be sparse like it has been in recent years, guys may want to think about planting it a little deeper."
In planting the seed too deep that can also cause other problems, such as heavy rains that wash away the seed. Sanders said anything farmers can do to avoid replanting with save both money and time.
"The most important trip across the field is when you are planting," Sanders said. "So guys really need to pay attention to the details and try and get it right the first time."
In the past Oklahoma farmers were able to plant the crop til October 15th. An early freeze has shown the earlier the crop is planted the better the crop will handle stress. Sanders said in northern Oklahoma the ideal planting window is September 10th til September 30th. He said farmers can plant the crop later, but they will also take more risk.
In order for the crop to have a strong finish at harvest, it all begins with how the crop gets started.
"Having this year under our belt, we will be able to gauge a lot more of what the feel of the crop is out in the field," Sanders said.
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