Tips for swathing in heat

When crops are maturing rapidly in hot conditions, swathing before 50-60% seed color change on the main stem may not give chlorophyll time to clear from immature seed. Some fields may require additional moisture — rain — in order to re-hydrate the seed so chlorophyll can clear. If growers feel they must swath at less than 50-60% seed color change on the main stem, wait until temperatures cool down in the evening and then swath at night to take advantage of those cooler temperatures and any moisture from dew.

Tips to prepare for harvest

Many crops are nearing the end of flowering or podding. Harvest decisions should be contemplated in the coming weeks. The following are tips to consider during the lead up to harvest.

Should I use a pod sealant?

Pod sealants are polymer sprays meant to reduce shattering when straight combining. Recent western Canadian research at a limited number of trial locations has to date not indicated significant benefits overall, but some individual trials and producer experiences have occasionally been positive.

On-farm strip trials — tips

Growers can use strip trials on their own farms to test how a particular practice or product performs in a local environment.

Grading for green: Two limes don't make a green

The Canadian Grain Commission has a colour guide for elevator graders to follow. Distinctly green is a dark green throughout the whole seed. Light green or greenish yellow seeds – sometimes called ‘limes’ – are not distinctly green and are not included in the green total.