As the snow continues to melt across the prairies, farmers are gearing up for the busy seeding season. According to Ian Epp, agronomy specialist with the Canola Council of Canada, moisture levels across much of the region appear sufficient for crop germination.
"It looks to me like we've had enough moisture throughout winter. Obviously, we always need more during the summer season, but there's enough out there to get us up and going. Some areas are better than others but in general things look pretty good heading into spring.”
With the new season quickly approaching, many farmers are pulling their equipment out of sheds and finalizing their preparations. Alongside seeding plans, Epp emphasized the importance of ensuring crops are grown in a way that meets market expectations. A key resource for farmers is the Keep It Clean initiative, which provides guidance on best practices to maintain the marketability of their crops.
"Growers are really focused on growing their crops, managing pests, and making agronomic decisions, but Keep It Clean helps ensure that when they go to sell their harvest, there are no issues."
One of the fundamental principles of the program is using only acceptable pesticides. While there are often multiple pesticide options available, farmers must ensure they are using products that are registered for their crops, at the correct rates, and at the right times.
"Customers around the world expect a certain level of acceptable residues, and we've done our due diligence to ensure these are safe and expected. Staying on label with the right rates and timing is critical."
He also pointed out that while Canada has stringent regulations, some export markets have different requirements.
"Sometimes we've had cases where a product is registered here but not accepted elsewhere, making it harder to sell the crop. Keep It Clean helps streamline that process so that grain remains marketable."
Another key aspect of maintaining crop quality is proper storage. Canola farmers, in particular, need to be cautious about the use of malathion-treated bins, as this chemical is not approved for canola storage.
"This hasn’t been a major issue in recent years, but nothing has changed, so it’s a good reminder for growers. If you're using malathion, canola can't go in those bins. If you're unsure which bins were treated, it might be best to use a different product altogether."
When it comes to delivery, farmers must ensure that what they declare matches what they are delivering. Signing a grain contract means guaranteeing that crops meet quality standards and were treated in accordance with regulations.
"It’s a legally binding document, but more than that, it provides certainty for both the farmer and the grain buyer. If there are any uncertainties, talking to the grain buyer ahead of time can help find a solution.
"For those looking for more information, the Keep It Clean website offers a wealth of resources, including calculators to assist with pesticide application timing and updates on best practices throughout the growing season. Epps notes new information is updated regularly and adds checking in throughout the season is a great way to stay informed.
As farmers finalize their spring preparations, following these best practices can help ensure a smooth growing season and a successful harvest that meets both domestic and international market requirements.