When to swath multi-stage crops

Many fields in the rain-soaked regions have advanced crop on the high ground and much later crop in the low ground. These fields require some harvest planning. Does a grower swath the high ground first and the low ground a couple weeks later? That may be the best option as long as the low ground looks like it will mature in time and if the low ground has the potential to generate worthwhile volumes. Otherwise it may be simplest to cut the whole field when the majority of the crop is ready.

Key to the decision is this: Don’t put the best and biggest part of the crop at risk of shelling in order to save a few acres of later, higher-risk and possibly low yielding canola.

Click here to download a 4-page PDF called “Swathing and Harvesting Multiple Stage Canola Crops.”