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Delaying swathing while you wait for more plants to mature is generally positive for yield, especially at this stage of the season…
Harvest and Storage
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Canola destroyed by hail could be harvested as forage, replaced with a short-season barley silage crop, or turned under for green manure… -
Growers can plan at this time of year to make sure they have enough seed purchased to achieve the target plant stand of 7-10 plants per square foot, which will provide a more uniform-maturing stand and a lower green count. Also, take note of the maturity ratings for each variety… -
Growers with dry canola and high green counts are wondering whether to leave the swathed crop a while longer or combine now and accept the grade loss. When making that decision, ask: Is moisture in the forecast? How green is it? What's the price discount? These and other considerations will help with the decision…
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Canola with high chlorophyll content is less stable in storage, even if the canola is dry and cool. The safest bet is to deliver sooner than later. If that is not an option, proper conditioning and frequent monitoring for heating and spoilage are crucial until it can be delivered…
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With light frost in the forecast, crop left standing will still have a chance to mature further. A heavy frost will lock in high green counts unless the crop has adequate dry down time to achieve a seed moisture of 20% or less. Swathing has to occur at least 3 good drying days before the frost to achieve this benefit…
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Canola can usually withstand a light frost, and immature crops are best left standing to finish. However, check anyway. The crop may look undamaged that morning but by lunch time, wilting, desiccation and pod splitting may begin. If you scout early and then not again, you may underestimate the damage and miss a chance to swath now to save some… -
Canola needs to move back up to 20% moisture and temperatures need to be 15 C or warmer before enzymes to reduce chlorophyll will restart and function effectively. Growers with high green canola in the swath have time to wait, if they choose, to see if these necessary rains come along…
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Weed seeds tend to contain more moisture than canola seeds, especially if they are green or immature. If these weed seeds congregate in pockets in the bin they can create localized hot spot for spoilage to begin — especially if that canola is also binned hot. Green canola seeds can also increase the storage risk, even if canola is dry…
