Issues of the week

Weed control is a priority. Early weed control is a key step in profitable canola production. If seeding is still a few days or weeks away, walk or drive your fields to see if weeds are up and growing to determine when and if to spray. Winter annuals and dandelions will be up first and are much easier to control now, not later.

Record canola acres have prompted talk of fertilizer shortages. Chances are there will be enough fertilizer, but will it be delivered to the local retailers in timely fashion? Consider a proactive approach to make sure fertilizer is on hand when you want to seed.

Look at soil temperature, the week’s forecast and the typical last day of killing frost to decide when to start seeding. Seeding into 2-5 C soils is OK if the outlook is warm and the risk of a killing frost has dropped to an acceptable range.