Parts of central Alberta have canola fields that have been written off due to severe hail. However, a fair amount of plant growth remains. Canola silage may be one option. Canola silage (on a dry matter basis) averages 12 to 14% crude protein but can be as high as 16% or more. Total Digestible Nutrients TDN (energy) averages 55% to 60%. More information on canola silage as a feed source is available from the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture or from the following podcast with Barry Yaremcio, Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development.
If making feed is not an option, it is difficult to provide general recommendations on how to handle the remaining crop residue. If it appears that remaining seed could at least defray harvesting costs, allowing the crop to mature and running it through the combine may be an option. Otherwise a fall burnoff of the remaining plants with an appropriate chemistry, mowing or tillage may be options. Decisions will need to be made on a field by field basis, based on the steps required to get the field into condition for whatever crop is going to be planted next.
