Anchoring Short Canola Stands

Questions are starting about swathing this year’s crop with low plant stands and shortened crop height, as the ability to anchor the swath to the stubble likely will be hampered. To reduce potential losses from swaths blowing, keep the following recommendations in mind:

• Swath in the direction of the typical prevailing winds in the area.
• Cut the plants as high as possible, just below the lowest pod.
• Using a properly adjusted swath roller, push down the swath so that the edges are nestled into the stubble. Because the swath will be on or close to the ground, curing and/or dry down may take longer.