Agricultural News
Ron Sholar Previews Canola College and Offers Optimism for 2016 Winter Canola Crop
Fri, 12 Feb 2016 17:44:59 CST
The Southern Plains canola crop has much more production potential than a year ago. Great Plains Canola Association Executive Director Ron Sholar is optimistic in the future of the 2016 winter canola crop. The crop had more favorable conditions at planting and the crop hasn't experienced wild fluctuations in temperatures. With milder weather, sunny days and good moisture, Sholar said this crop is still synthesizing, building root reserves and the crop should be building toward a highly productive crop.
While the crop looks better, there were fewer acres planted in the fall of 2015. Sholar said the crop hit a speed bump with acres due to unfavorable weather conditions the previous two growing seasons and lower canola prices. Like other commodities, he said the price of canola has dropped by 50 percent. Sholar commends the farmers that have stuck with the crop. In rotating with wheat, he said canola makes the following wheat crop more productive in improving yields, grain quality and offers other rotational benefits like weed control.
Canola requires more management than a cereal crop. Sholar advises farmers to look at the crop's nutrient needs, as some fields will require nitrogen this spring. He also encourages farmers to scout fields frequently for insects, as they will be an issue this year.
Radio Oklahoma Ag Network Farm Director Ron Hays interviewed Ron Sholar of the Great Plains Canola Association. Click or tap on the LISTEN BAR below to listen to the interview.
Farmers can learn more about management of the crop at Canola College this Thursday, February 18th in Enid. Canola College is a joint effort of GPCA, Oklahoma State University's Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Kansas State University, and cooperating partners. Canola College sessions will focus on: variety selection, basic and advanced production practices, management in conventional and conservation tillage systems, impact of winter wheat stubble on canola establishment, in season nutrient management, and disease and insect management. A new session will feature the Canola learning lab. Sholar said this will allow attendees hands-on experience to learn more about pest identification, nutrient needs while visiting with experts.
Registration will begin at 8:00 a.m. with the program kicking off at 9:00 a.m. and finishing at 3:00 p.m. The conference will take place at the Chisholm Trail EXPO Center, located at 111 W. Purdue St. on the north side of Enid. There is no cost to attend. If you plan on attending, online registration is encouraged to ensure there are materials and meals for everyone that attends. Registration is available online at canola.okstate.edu.
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