When to swath hailed crops

A number of hail storms in Alberta earlier in the season have resulted in regrowth at the top of the plant. This regrowth is now considerably late and it is questionable whether that portion of the plant can contribute to yield before frost. Growers with such crops are encouraged to concentrate on the growth and yield in lower branches. Decisions (e.g. swath timing) should be determined based on staging of this lower growth in the canopy, since in most cases it represents the bulk of the remaining yield potential.