Sulphate fertilizer supplies are just keeping up with the demand. If your supplier runs out of sulphate when you are seeding, don’t panic. You can broadcast ammonium sulphate up to the four leaf stage as an alternative to delaying seeding.

In fields where volunteer cereals are emerged ahead of the broadleaf weeds and the crop, the crop may benefit from an early grass herbicide application. Apply your grass herbicides as soon as possible and with rates in line with the stage of weeds.

Growers with cleavers in field seeded to Liberty Link canola should evaluate the stage of the cleavers and, if applicable, consider a high rate of Liberty with their first pass.

With the good yields and heavy crops last year, many growers have had trouble seeding into with heavy trash. Residue management such as harrowing or tillage may be needed. Some growers may resort to burning, in which case they should check with their RM office about fire bans and burning permits.

When scouting fields with stand establishment problems, look for the blue seed coat at or near the root of the seedling. This will indicate whether the affected plants are from the current year’s seed or whether the plants may be volunteers from previous years. Refer to the CanolaFact “Factors affecting canola survival for seeding to 21 days after emergence” for more information on assessing a stand.

Some seed lots are very dry, which puts seed at higher risk of cracking as it moves through the drill. (See the photos.) Put a tube sock over a few hoses above the opener to check for cracking. Slowing down ground speed will reduce volume per second, and should reduce cracking. For double shoot openers, adjust air damper for seed delivery.