Western Canola & Pulse Crops Producer

Western

Canola &Pulse

Crops Producer

It’s

in the

bag

Published in the November 4, 2010 Western Producer

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Western

Canola &Pulse Crops Producer

a supplement to The Western Producer

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Contents

Prairie oilseed producers plant millions of acres of canola each year. Starting with quality seed is the key to maximizing production.

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The blue tags attached to certified seed contain valuable information about what’s inside the bag.

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14

A pair of research projects supported

by Saskatchewan Pulse Growers could open new markets for green lentils in India and Sri Lanka.

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The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is assessing a proposal by Canadian seed growers to include best before dates on certified seed tags.

Editorial Toll Free:

1-800-667-6978 Advertising Toll Free:

What do the markets hold for pulse crops and oilseeds? The latest supply and demand estimates shed light on the situation.

Canola industry officials say farmers who keep certified seed on the farm should consider testing it for germination before seeding begins.

Box 2500, 2310 Millar Avenue, Saskatoon, SK S7K 2C4

1-800-667-7776 Publisher:

Larry Hertz larry.hertz@producer.com

Editors:

Barb Glen

Prairie Canola Variety Trials are a valuable source of information for oilseed producers. Will the trials return in 2011?

Different plots produce different results. Canola companies are comparing systems to assess the benefits of each.

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barb.glen@producer.com

Brian Cross brian.cross@producer.com

Advertising Director: Kelly Berg

kelly.berg@producer.com

Creative Director: Robert Magnell robert.magnell@producer.com

The Western Producer

The truth about blended seed Love it or hate it, blended seed is an accepted part of the canola industry. But just what goes into a bag of blended seed?

By Brian Cross Western Producer Staff

S

askatchewan farmer Don Voss is urging canola growers to ask questions and use greater scrutiny when buying canola seed this year.

Voss, who farms at Spiritwood, Sask., says there will be unusually large quantities of carried-over or blended canola seed on the market this year.

Because canola acreage fell short of expectations in Western Canada last spring, volumes of returned canola seed were larger than normal.

In most cases, unused canola seed is returned to retailers and shipped to a centralized holding facility where storage conditions are closely controlled to guard against seed deterioration.

Returned seed is usually retested for germination, vigour and other performance criteria.

After testing, canola seed companies can assess the seed’s quality and decide whether it should be removed from the market or prepared for resale.

Although the practice of reselling returned canola seed has been around for years, the processes and policies involved are a mystery to many canola growers, said Voss.

Blending, where returned seed from two or more seedlots is mixed together, is common practice for some companies.

To sell blended seed, companies must ensure that blended seedlots meet germination, purity and seed quality standards as outlined in the Seed Act. But in Voss’s view, the practice of blending old seed with new seed is unacceptable.

“In the old days of pedigreed seed production, a practice like that would have been grounds for hanging,” said Voss.

“It’s an adulteration of a pure product and it absolutely should not be allowed.”

W

hen canola seed is returned, it can follow one of several paths.

• Some companies avoid sell blended or carried-over seed. All returns are automatically removed from the seed market and the seed is sold as a fuel source or destroyed.

• Some companies test returned seed and resell it the following year with no changes to the tags, the packaging or the seed itself.

• Some companies test returned seed and repackage the seed in new bags without blending.

• Some companies mix returned seedlots with other seed of the same variety, producing a blend that contains seed from a variety of sources and production years.

Darrell Armstrong, supply planning manger for Pioneer brand canola, said the vast majority of the canola seed his company sells each year is blended.

“We blend most of our seed as a matter of course and the reason we do it is to provide a consistent quality of seed to customers,” he said.

“We want to ensure that customers receive as uniform a seedlot as possible.”

According to Armstrong, Pioneer and other canola seed companies that sell blended seed go to considerable lengths

Western Canola and Pulse Crops Producer

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to ensure blended products exceed seed quality standards.

Normally, companies will sort returned bags into their original seedlots and use approved sampling protocols to acquire a representative sample of each seedlot.

Representative samples are then tested for purity and germination to ensure that seed performance of any single seedlot has not been significantly compromised.

In most cases, the samples are also tested for seed vigour and other quality criteria, beyond what is required in the Seed Act. Armstrong said there is a view among some farmers that blended seed is inferior to new seed because it may contain seed that has been carried over from the previous year or from multiple production years.

But all blends are tested and at the time of sale must meet established germination and purity standards.

Farmers should not assume that the quality new crop seed is always better than that of carried over or blended material, Armstrong added.

“There’s an opinion that new crop may be better for various reasons but every (production) year is different,” he said.

“Regardless of (whether) you’re blending all new crop or blending seed that’s a year old or blending multiple years, it all goes through the same process of quality evaluation so … you would not see any difference.

“Really it comes down to the testing that is done on that seed to ensure that it is of high quality.”

“The key to making sure that you’re going to have performance in the field is making sure that you have a high quality testing program in place.”

Continued on page 5

What’s on the tag?

T

he blue tag attached to all bags of certified seed contains valuable information.

Understanding that information can take the mystery out of buying seed.

The top line on the tag indicates the crop type. This is followed by the variety name and grade.

For canola, the grade will be listed as Certified No. 1 or Certified No. 2, depending on seed purity and germination levels.

The minimum germination level for Certified No. 1 canola is 90 percent.

Near the bottom of the tag is a line that contains a 12-digit crop certificate number.

The first two digits indicate the year the crop was grown. The third digit represents the province where the crop was grown and the next six digits refer to the seed grower who grew the seed.

The final three digits indicate the seed class and crop number assigned by the Canadian Seed Growers Association.

The last line on the tag contains a seed lot number that identifies the company that processed the seed.

In some cases, tags may contain four digits denoting a year (e.g. 2010) followed by the word “blend.”

The tags on blended seed do not indicate when the seed was grown.

Instead, they state when the seed was blended. Therefore, a blended seedlot might contain seed from multiple production years.

The age of the seed in a blend is important because the longer seed is stored, the greater the chance for reduced vigour and germination.

Companies that blend seed are responsible for ensuring that the blended product meets minimum acceptable germination levels, as outlined in the Seed Act, at the time of sale.

Buyers of all types of certified seed can request documents that provide germination levels and test dates.

The buyer has up to one year after the date of purchase to request this information. The seller must provide the information within 30 days.

Buyers can also request additional information.

When buying blended seed, producers can ask what the year the seed in a blended seedlot was produced, although companies are not legally obliged to provide this information.

— CROSS

Canola seed vigour will diminish over time. Seed that has been in storage for several years is more frequently related to seed performance problems. | MIKE RAINE PHOTO

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ale Adolphe, executive director of the Canadian Seed Growers Association, says blending has been used by canola seed companies for years.

If done properly, the practice can work well for producers and seed companies.

But if it’s done poorly, the results can be problematic.

Adolphe said there is a prevailing sentiment among some canola growers that seed performance issues are more likely to occur with blended seed.

“Some of the difficulties that have been encountered with … germination or vigour in canola in recent years are suspected to be the result of carried-over seed stocks or of blending,” Adolphe said.

“If blending problems are occurring, it probably comes down to the quality management systems of the operation that’s doing the blending,” he added.

“There’s likely good blenders and bad blenders, just as there is good and bad operators in any business.”

According to Adolphe, some concerns surrounding blended seed revolve around the issue of seed vigour.

The Seed Act is designed to ensure that certified seed meets minimum standards for purity and germination.

But the act does not address seed vigour and the canola industry has yet to reach a consensus on how canola seed vigour should be assessed.

Several different methods can be used to test for vigour.

A handful are recognized by industry stakeholders as reliable but none are used universally.

Seed companies that sell carry-over seed or blended seed routinely test for vigour.

But in the absence of a mandatory vigour threshold and a standardized, industrywide testing protocol, farmers are left to

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their own devices to ensure they are familiar with the testing methods used.

Bob Elliott, a research scientist with Agriculture Canada in Saskatoon, said the debate over standardized vigour tests has been going on for years.

Elliott, who sat on an industry-wide canola vigour steering committee beginning in the late 1990s, said discussion surrounding the adoption of standardized vigour tests has subsided since canola companies began testing internally.

“In general, I think the industry … has recognized the need and importance of (vigour) tests over and above the germination test and I think what has happened is that seed companies are doing their own internal vigour tests … that they are most familiar with,” Elliott said.

“As a research scientist, what we do is to look at the various different (vigour) tests that are out there and evaluate them and test their merits.

“I think right now we have three or four tests that we have shown could be beneficial. They are not standardized tests but they are good tests and they are being adopted by the industry ….”

However, Elliott said questions about seed vigour still emerge.

And more frequently than not, those concerns are linked to the use of blended seed or carry over seed.

“I receive a number of phone calls from producers about problems, particularly in the spring with emergence-establishment issues, and quite frequently, those problems … relate to blended seed,” he said.

“The incidence of problems with blended seed seems quite high, compared to unblended.

“By and large, (those problems) will relate to lower-than-expected germination or emergence and poor seedling growth.”

Continued on page 6

The Western Producer

C Producers who suspect seed problems often have difficulty proving their claims because many other factors can affect a canola crop in the early stages of development. | FILE PHOTO

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espite assurances from canola seed companies, crop failures occur each year with suspected links to poor seed performance.

Voss, who has been farming for 40 years, said he learned a great deal about seed quality and blending practices after he bought seed from a blended seedlot that fell short of expectations in 2007.

He said he planted his seed into good conditions in mid- to late-May and was initially satisfied with germination.

But when the weather turned cool and wet, many seedlings damped off and died at the cotyledon stage, resulting in uneven growth throughout the field.

Nearby canola fields survived the cold spell without obvious problems.

By the time warmer temperatures returned, Voss’s crops were streaky and stunted.

“By the beginning of June, that stuff should have been jumping out of the ground… but it was sickly with streaks throughout the field,” he said.

“I paid $5.95 a pound — nearly $300 a bushel — and I expected performance.

When Voss raised his concerns with the local seed vendor, the canola seed company sent out two seed reps.

“They wouldn’t admit there was any problem,” said Voss.

“They tried to blame my seeding equipment and everything else but I said,

‘Look, I know what it is. The plants came up and died. The crop came up in streaks.

There’s some good seed and there’s really poor seed.”

After more than two years of investigating, negotiating and legal wrangling, Voss eventually reached an out-of-court settlement with the seed company.

He said the settlement covered about half of his estimated losses.

He also rejected a previous offer to settle that would have prohibited him from talking about the problem publicly.

“There’s no way the were going to muzzle me on this,” he said.

Based on his experience, Voss has adopted a new approach to buying canola seed.

He said the first thing producers should do when they buy seed is ask questions, request copies of certification documents and carefully read the labels on seed tags and bags.

He also recommends that farmers keep all tags, maintain records and keep samples of the seed they buy.

Samples should be taken as soon as the seed is purchased and should be stored under ideal storage conditions to ensure that germination rates and vigour do not deteriorate significantly.

Producers who buy large quantities of seed should consider having their seed tested at an accredited seed lab prior to planting.

Western Canola and Pulse Crops Producer

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ornie Thiessen, manager of canola seed with Dekalb, said despite seed companies’ best efforts, a small number of seed-related failures occur each year.

But according to Thiessen, the number of acres planted with substandard seed is incredibly small compared to the total acreage seeded each year in Western Canada.

He also rejected the notion that the frequency of seed performance issues is higher in blended seed than it is in new crop seed.

“I don’t think producers should attach any negative connotations to the word blend,” he said.

“We try to have a pretty rigorous (quality assurance) process in place and the driver behind the whole process is trying to ensure that there’s a uniform product for the grower….”

Thiessen said regardless of how much blended seed is used, a small number of seed performance failures are likely to arise each year.

The canola seed industry sells tens of millions of pounds of canola seed annually and ships material throughout a huge geographic area.

When seed reaches the retail level, seed companies have little or no control over how the material is stored and handled.

When the canola reaches the farm level, quality control is out of their hands.

Dave Akister, executive director of the Saskatchewan Seed Growers Association, said that is precisely why his organization is opposed to the practice of blending.

“If you look at the logistics of that in the real world, you have all this canola seed distributed to retailers throughout Western Canada and at the end of the seeding season, you’ve got a few bags here and a few bags there … all being collected back up again and reconditioned for sale the following year,” said Akister.

“The presumption that you can somehow gather all this seed up and end up with a uniform product going back into the mix seems very unlikely.

“In our (view), that stuff could have been stored in a number of different places, treated by different outfits … and who knows where it’s been.”

Akister added that the contents of a blended seedlot are often unknown to farmers.

By law, all blended seed lots sold in Canada must be clearly tagged as a blend but producers have little or no way of determining what that blended seedlot contains.

“We … think that when the producer buys that blended seed, he should be informed of what he is buying.”

Mike Scheffel, national manager of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s seed section, said companies are expected to document the material that goes into a blend but they are not legally obliged to share that information with farmers.

“By regulation, companies that blend must keep full records of a blend’s contents for a minimum of two years but they are not required to share it with producers,” Scheffel said.

“They can if they want to but they are not legally obliged to provide it.”

The same rules apply for results of internal vigour tests, he added.

Farmers can ask what vigour tests were used on blended and carried over seed and they can request to see the results of those tests but companies are not legally required to provide it.

A

t Pioneer, Armstrong acknowledged that some blended seedlots contain material from a variety of sources and production years.

He also acknowledged that farmers would have no way of knowing what is in a blend simply by looking at the tags and

Canola companies test seed to ensure it meets established performance standards. Nonetheless, a small number of seed-related crop failures occur each year in Western Canada. | FILE PHOTO

the packaging.

But he reiterated that farmers should not view blended or carried over seed as inferior to new crop.

“On the information that a farmer would receive, no, there really wouldn’t be any way to tell (what is in a blend) but the comment that I would make back to that is that any time we do a blend, it’s retested as if it were brand new crop,” Armstrong said.

“It goes through the same purity, germination and … quality tests that we would do on a new crop.”

Thiessen said most canola seed companies have policies in place to deal with suspected seed quality issues.

Dekalb’s policy is to listen to farmer concerns, investigate and deal with situations responsibly.

“We don’t hear a lot about it but we try to be very open and honest about it,” he said.

“If growers have any concerns about any of the seed they bought from us, we investigate their claims and try to understand them to see if there are any opportunities for us to keep improving our standards going forward.”

“We’re not perfect but we feel like we’ve had a pretty good dialogue with grow-

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ers and any issues that have popped up over the years, we’ve been able to address them,” he added.

“I think for the most part, … growers understand the (blending) process and feel reassured about the seed that they are buying from us.”

Brad Ewankiw, manager of Invigor canola with Bayer CropScience, said regardless of what policies individual seed companies follow, all companies strive to sell quality seed and enhance the reputation of their brands.

Ewankiw said Bayer tries to minimize blending.

He estimated that less than 10 percent of the material sold by the company each year is blended.

Bayer feels that keeping seedlots separate is a better quality assurance platform, he said.

“Our brand is very important to us and we will in no way jeopardize our brand name by selling seed that we don’t understand to be at the same level of performance as it was when it went out the door originally,” said Ewankiw.

“I think I can say that regardless of what company you’re talking about, we go to the Nth degree to ensure that the seed we are selling is of good quality.” v

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Good storage, great start Cool, clean, dark and dry: proper storage of certified canola seed is key to trouble-free production Western Producer Staff

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very good canola crop starts with good seed. But not all seed that has high germination levels and good vigour at the time of testing produces top quality results in the field.

Proper storage is critical.

Bob Elliott, a research scientist with Agriculture Canada in Saskatoon, says seed that is stored over long periods of time will lose vigour and germination, especially if storage conditions are less than ideal.

The rate of deterioration increases on low quality seed, especially on seed that was harvested before full maturity and has high greenseed counts.

“During storage, there will be deterioration over time, to varying degrees, depending on the quality of that seed,” he said.

The potential for seed performance failures could be higher than normal in the spring of 2011 because growing conditions were less than ideal in 2010 and harvest was later than normal.

In addition, some certified canola seed distributed through retail channels last spring was not planted due to excess moisture.

Canola seed companies contacted by The Western Producer say quantities of returned canola were 40 to 100 percent higher than normal last year, depending on the area.

An undetermined amount of certified canola seed was retained by farmers and has been sitting in on-farm storage for almost a year.

According to Elliott, certified canola seed is less likely to deteriorate if it is stored in cool, dark, dry conditions.

Tests conducted over the past decade

by Agriculture Canada suggest that the potential for seed performance failure is minimized if canola seed is stored at a

Canola industry officials say storage conditions affect seed performance. Growers who stored carryover seed on the farm this year are urged to test for germination. | WILLIAM DEKAY PHOTO

moisture content of 4.3 percent and an ambient temperature of 2 C. Germination and overall quality falls rapidly when moisture content reaches 8.7 percent and temperatures exceed 19 C. Pat Flaten, research manager with the Saskatchewan Canola Development Commission, says the SCDC encourages producers to test all canola seed that has been stored on the farm for extended periods of time.

“Seed quality degrades over time,” said Flaten.

“If someone has kept seed and not returned it this year from the spring, we’re really encouraging them to do a vigour and a germination test.”

Canola producers have raised concerns about the effect of seed treatments on germination and vigour but according to Elliott, modern seed treatments have little or no impact on seed performance.

Years ago, when lindane-based seed

Western Canola and Pulse Crops Producer

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treatments were the norm, treated seed that was kept in storage would routinely show a reduction in germination and vigour the following year.

But beginning in 2001, a new group of seed treatments known as the neonicotinoids was registered.

Relative to lindane, the impact of neonicotinoids on seed performance is minimal, even on treated seed that has been stored for an extra growing season.

Elliott said all canola seed treatments including Helix, Helix Xtra, Prosper and Gaucho use a similar chemistry and should not be considered harmful.

“When we did those seed storage experiments, we found that they had little or no effect on germination or seed vigour and this was with fairly extended storage, running upward of about 18 months,” Elliot said.

“I don’t believe it’s an important factor with the current mix of products that we have.” v

The dating game The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is assessing a proposal to use best before dates on certified seed Western Producer Staff

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But in most cases, it he Canadian is difficult to determine Food Inspecwhether poor seed was tion Agency is the root cause of the examining the merits problem or whether other of using best before factors were at play. dates on all certified “There’s a lot of things seed sold in Canada. that can happen (after the Mike Scheffel, nafarmer buys the seed),” tional manager of the said Scheffel.

CFIA’s seed section, “Seed quality is one of says the agency was the factors that influences asked this summer how the crop produces to assess the implicabut there are a lot of tions of the idea. things in the hands of the Some members of farmers … that can result the Canadian Seed in crop damage as well.”

Growers Association Factors that can affect think certified seed seed performance after tags that include best the sale date include before dates would The use of best before dates on certified seed would not make retesting mandatory storage conditions, hanprovide a greater level but it would alert growers to the fact that germination test results may no longer be accurate. | WILLIAM DEKAY PHOTO dling methods, planting of assurance to certified dates, seeding depth, seed buyers. nutrient application, They also say best before extended storage periods, Scheffel said. dates would encourage seed growers and If that is the case, a proposal advocating weather conditions, frost damage, insect damage and pesticide damage, among seed companies to retest carry-over seed regulatory changes that would affect all others. more regularly, reducing the risk of seed crop types may not be the best solution.

For the last couple of years, the CFIA performance problems.

In Canada, purity and germination of has increased inspections at seed retail Right now, tags attached to certicertified seed are regulated under the outlets across the West after concerns fied seed have no expiry date and seed Seed Act. were raised about the way carry-over vendors are not required to retest unused According to the act, a company that canola seed was being stored. seed at regular intervals. sells No. 1 Certified canola seed must “The concern here was that sometimes, The new proposal would not make ensure germination levels of at least 90 some of these ag retailers whose primary retesting mandatory but it would alert percent at the time of sale. producers to the fact the tests may be However, certified seed is usually tested business is to sell fertilizer and pesticides … also were selling some seed on the dated and test results may no longer be for germination well in advance of the side,” Scheffel said. accurate. sale date.

“They’re not seedsmen, if you like. Their “We’re taking that (proposal) under In some cases, results are a year or two primary purpose is not seed and they consideration,” said Scheffel. old by the time the seed is sold. may not understand how seed needs to “We’ll want to do a fairly fulsome study That is problematic because canola be handled and that it’s a living organism of the implications of that … but we’re seed performance can deteriorate signifiand that it’s subject to deterioration….” certainly going to examine (the idea) and cantly over time.

Scheffel said the level of awareness depending on the outcome of that analySeed industry experts agree that it is difsurrounding proper seed storage is insis, we’ll prepare some further steps.” ficult for farmers to prove or disprove the creasing.

Scheffel said this is the first time the accuracy of germ test results.

A recent survey of seed at small ag retail CFIA has considered the merits of best The CFIA occasionally investigates outlets across the West showed that the before dates on seed. complaints from farmers who plant certivast majority of canola seed was meeting Some seed types are relatively stable fied seed and aren’t satisfied with seed or exceeding Seed Act standards. v and are less prone to deterioration over performance.

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Passage to India Pulse industry officials are setting their sights on lucrative new markets for Canadian lentils Western Producer Staff

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ulse growers on the Canadian Prairies are looking half way around the world for their next big marketing opportunity.

Officials from Saskatchewan Pulse Growers say consumers in India and Sri Lanka represent a potentially lucrative new market for Canadian green lentils.

Kofi Agblor, director of research at SPG, said the Canadian pulse industry — and Saskatchewan lentil producers in particular — could realize significant benefits if use of Canadian green lentils is increased in those countries.

SPG is already involved in two research projects — one in India and one in Sri Lanka — aimed at evaluating potential new markets.

“The results so far are very fantastic,” Agblor said.

The Indian project, conducted in collaboration with researchers at Tamil Nadue Agricultural University, was designed to assess the potential of using green lentils in traditional Indian dishes.

In that study, Indian researcher Gopalaswamy Pushpa asked 100 Indian families to cook traditional dishes using Canadian green lentils instead of locally grown pulse crops, such as pigeon peas.

After cooking the dishes, the families were asked to rate the green lentil dishes on a scale of one to nine, with nine being the best possible rating.

Ten of the 13 dishes included in the survey received an average rating of eight or higher.

Based on those results, Pushpa suggested that green lentils were well suited for use in traditional Indian diets and had the potential to capture a significant portion of domestic Indian markets for pigeon peas, the country’s largest pulse crop.

Lentils could also be used to replace other Indian pulses such as black gram, green gram and chickpeas, which are also used in other traditional Indian dishes, she said.

If Canadian lentils make inroads against pigeon peas, the market impact

Officials at Saskatchewan Pulse Growers are hoping exports of Canadian green lentils to India will grow by 200,000 to 300,000 tonnes per year. | FILE PHOTO

could be huge.

India already uses about two million tonnes of pigeon peas a year and the country’s current population of roughly 1.2 billion people is expected to reach nearly 1.6 billion by 2025, according to United States Census Bureau statistics.

If that happens, India would surpass China as the most populous nation in the world.

Nutrition security is already a growing concern in India.

Indian leaders are looking for ways to ensure that adequate food imports are available to feed the country’s growing population and satisfy the needs of a growing middle class.

If Canadian lentils could capture 10 percent of India’s existing two million tonne per year pigeon pea market, that would translate into additional Canadian exports of roughly 200,000 tonnes per year.

As Indian consumers become more familiar with Canadian lentils, consumption could expand to as much as 300,000 tonnes a year, said SPG officials.

That would translate into sales worth roughly $160 million annually.

In 2008-09, Canada exported roughly 975,000 of red and green lentils.

Agblor said SPG is developing a mar-

Western Canola and Pulse Crops Producer

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keting plan and is working with exporters and importers to sell dehulled green lentils under a branded label known as Kanadal.

Details of the Kanadal branding program have yet to be finalized but those involved are hoping the brand will gain rapid recognition among Indian consumers and help Canadian lentils gain a larger share of the lucrative Indian marketplace.

“Our studies did show that overall, in all of the sensory evaluations on taste, on flavour, on the presence of micronutrients like iron and selenium, and on functionality and how it behaved in a (food) product … green lentils were either at par, or in some instances higher than using local (pulse crops)…,” Agblor said.

Pushpa’s research also suggested that green lentils cooked faster than pulse crops grown in India and that Canadian lentils had higher levels of protein, beta carotene and selenium.

Agblor said the nutritional composition of Canadian lentils is another key factor that could open doors to new markets in Asia.

In Sri Lanka, for example, lentil consumption is estimated at approximately 100,000 tonnes annually, almost all of

which is imported from countries such as Australia and India.

University of Saskatchewan researcher Dil Thavarajah has been examining the nutritional characteristics of Saskatchewan lentils and says they offer high rates of iron, zinc and selenium relative to lentils grown in Australia, India, the United States and Syria.

Iron is another key micronutrient that is deficient in the diets of many Sri Lankans.

Lack of iron is associated with a condition known as iron deficiency anemia.

The condition is relatively common in Sri Lanka and many residents supplement their diets with drops.

But according to Agblor, eating foods that are relatively high in iron content is

widely viewed as the best approach to dealing with iron deficiencies.

“The food approach, everybody agrees, is the best,” said Agblor.

Pulse industry officials in Canada wanted to show Sri Lankan officials that Canadian lentils were nutritionally superior to lentils grown in Australia, India and other exporting countries, said Agblor.

“Our lentils appear to be leading most of these crops in terms of how much iron they have and how it becomes bioavailable in the body.”

“They (Sri Lankans) eat lentils every day and they’ve got issues with anemia …”

“We thought that if we could offer them a better (nutritional product) … would the government … then begin to look at our

lentils as a very good source of iron … as opposed to supplementation.”

Pulse breeders from the University of Saskatchewan Crop Development Centre are also examining micronutrient availability in different lentil varieties.

Canada’s lentil production has grown by leaps and bounds over the past decade or so.

Fifteen years ago, total seeded acreage in Canada stood at less than 800,000 acres.

This year, Statistics Canada estimated total plantings at 3.36 million acres, including nearly 3.2 million acres in Saskatchewan alone.

That production could increase even more if SPG is successful in selling Indian and Sri Lankan importers on the merits of Canadian-grown lentils. v

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15

The Western Producer

09/10-14567-05B

To serve and pro Pioneer Hi-Bred has always been at the forefront in providing genetics with high yield potential and solid agronomics that anticipate grower needs.

Now the company has taken a further step forward with the introduction of the Pioneer Protector™ seed traits.

They’re the market-leading traits for protecting canola from damaging diseases like clubroot or sclerotinia.

New canola seed trait offers breakthrough in clubroot management.

Clubroot is a serious disease threat in parts of Alberta and can cause up to an 80% yield loss in infected fields. This pest has spread rapidly from the Edmonton area, effectively removing large areas of land from canola production across 14 counties in the province and has recently been confirmed in Saskatchewan.

The roots and stalk in this clubroot resistant hybrid (top) are healthy and unaffected compared to the clubroot susceptible hybrid (bottom) which exhibits the characteristic galls.

The Pioneer Protector™ Clubroot resistance trait in high performing canola hybrids provides several benefits to growers: Multi-race resistance • High level of resistance to the most prevalent race – race 3.

• Also resistant to races 2, 5, 6 and 8.

Resistance is controlled • Clubroot is a soil-borne disease so growing a canola hybrid with the Pioneer Protector Clubroot resistance trait will not increase risk of clubroot resistance developing.

• Proper agronomic and sanitation practices are key to preventing and minimizing the spread of clubroot.

Keeps land infection to a minimum • Planting protected canola hybrids keeps clubroot infection from building – and it is important to maintain a one-in-four year rotation in clubroot confirmed area.

Canola growers should look for the Pioneer Protector™ Clubroot resistance symbol when choosing hybrids this season to ensure they get maximum protection from this new and costly disease.

Look for the new Pioneer Protector™ logo on high-performing canola hybrids this season. It’s a symbol of canola seed traits that serve to protect your productivity, yields and profits.

All purchases are subject to the terms of labelling and purchase documents. ®, SM, TM Trademarks and service marks licensed to Pioneer Hi-Bred Limited. © 2010 PHL. PR1177_ProtAdvert_ASG_A_E

tect.

Breakthrough in sclerotinia management is bred into the seed.

The new Pioneer Protector™ Sclerotinia resistance seed trait promises substantial gains in the battle against this costly disease.

Testing has shown this breakthrough trait can reduce the incidence of sclerotinia in your canola crop by over 50%. And Pioneer Hi-Bred is already launching secondgeneration hybrids with improved resistance levels.

Pioneer Hi-Bred’s goal is ultimately to introduce hybrids with nearly full resistance to sclerotinia.

Sclerotinia disease infection on canola stems in a susceptible hybrid (top) versus a hybrid with built-in resistance (bottom).

50% REDUCTION

of sclerotinia in your canola crop

The Pioneer Protector™ Sclerotinia trait in high performing canola hybrids provides these benefits to growers: Reduction in incidence • Over 50% reduction in sclerotinia incidence.

Peace of mind • Provides increased flexibility and insurance when timing fungicide applications.

Convenience • Sclerotinia protection is planted with the seed.

Season-long control • An in-plant trait that provides coverage regardless of weather patterns throughout the entire growing season.

Canola growers should look for the Pioneer Protector™ Sclerotinia symbol when choosing canola hybrids this season to ensure they get maximum protection from this costly disease.

Watching the markets Canola market predictions suggest strong prices again this year

By D’Arce McMillan Farm Management Editor

C

Canola outlook Canadian supply and disposition

2008-09 2009-10 2010-11* anola growers will likely again enjoy strong prices 16,154 16,193 16,677 this marketing year and the pot could be sweetened 16,040 15,079 15,538 further if a brewing La Nina brings drought to South 0.79 0.82 0.67 12,643 12,417 10,430 American soybean regions.

121 128 250 The United States Climate Prediction Center says most 14,225 14,206 12,803 7,908 7,127 6,000 climate models suggest La Nina should be strong by Novem4,657 4,957 5,803 ber to January and will persist at least into the spring in the 1,661 2,123 1,000 467 426 460-500 northern hemisphere.

La Nina, when cool water dominates the eastern Pacific, * Agriculture Canada forecast as of Oct. 14, 2010 often delivers a drier trend to cropping regions of South America. If that holds true, soybean yields in Brazil and Source: Agriculture Canada WP graphic Argentina could suffer and that would add more fuel to an already heated oilseed market.

A large part of the discrepancy was due to an underestimate of Already, Brazilian soybean seeding is delayed by dry weather. the 2009 crop, which was revised to 12.42 million tonnes, up from In its first forecast for the 2010-11 crop, the Brazilian agriculture a previous estimate of 11.83 million. There were also reductions in department is anticipating acreage to increase slightly but yields the 2009-10 exports and domestic feed, waste and dockage. to decrease.

News of the larger carry in pressured prices lower for a short This could lead to an equal or slightly smaller crop in a range period but values bounced back on the September harvest probof 67.6 to 68.9 million tonnes compared to last year’s record 68.7 lems and the belief that demand will be strong this year. million.

Indeed, Agriculture Canada predicts that stocks by the end of Given that the U.S. soybean crop appears smaller than exthe crop year will fall to a tight one million tonnes for a stockspected and that China will again increase soybean imports, any to-use ratio of only eight percent, tighter than the 13 percent challenges to the South American soy crop would add further posted in 2008-09. upward momentum to oilseeds, including canola.

Domestic canola use will also climb again this crop year.

Canola prices have already rallied seven percent since the beCanada’s canola crushing capacity rose last year, particularly ginning of September and 20 percent since the beginning of July. in the second half when the two new plants in Yorkton, Sask., — Agriculture Canada forecasts an average canola price at Richardson and LDM Foods — came on stream.

Vancouver of $460 to $500 per tonne, up from $426 last year and With that additional capacity, the weekly canola crush in$467 in 2008-09. creased to more than 110,000 tonnes a week from about 80,000.

Much of the price strength came from the wet spring and cool Agriculture Canada forecasts domestic crush will climb to 5.5 summer in Western Canada, which delayed crop maturation. million tonnes from 4.79 million.

Frequent rain and frost in early September also damaged Exports are also expected to be robust, given the smaller yields and quality. amount of canola available.

Statistics Canada estimated the 2010-11 crop at 10.43 million tonnes based on 14,000 farmer interviews done in the first nine Pulse grower for over 20 years Red Lentils days of September.

–CDC Imax (new) That is down 16 percent from last year and the smallest crop –Kind Red (KR) new since 2007. But given the rain and frost that dominated prairie –CDC Maxim weather for first three weeks of September, the report is not the Green Lentils –CDC Invincilbe (new) last word and the market will eagerly anticipate the final report Impower (new) Sopatyk Seed Farms is your –CDC due Dec. 3. That report will include information on crop quan–Queen Green (QG) premium seed supplier for tity only, not quality. cereals, pulses and specialty Peas and Chick Peas Meadow Although the 2010 crop will likely be 16 percent smaller, total crops. Option to pick up at –CDC –CDC Patrick (green) supply will be down only 10 percent because of larger than seeding available.

–B-90 Amit Chick Peas expected carry in stocks.

Midge Resistant Cereals The Statistics Canada stocks report released Sept. 8 was a –AC Unity –AC Goodeve surprise, putting the amount of canola on farm and in commer(306) 227-7867 Ask about other varieties cial position at 2.12 million tonnes, up from the previous official spats@shaw.ca and seed options. estimate of 1.1 million tonnes.

Western Canola and Pulse Crops Producer

2007-08 Seeded area (’000 acres) 15,732 Harvested area (’000 acres) 15,510 Yield (tonnes/acre) 0.62 Production (’000 tonnes) 9,601 Imports (’000 tonnes) 179 Supply (’000 tonnes) 11,562 Exports (’000 tonnes) 5,661 Domestic use (’000 tonnes) 4,440 Carry out stocks (’000 tonnes) 1,462 Average price ($/tonne) 553

18

Bean outlook Canadian supply and disposition

2007-08

2008-09

2009-10

2010-11*

378 378 0.74 277 50 367 300 47 20 6 725

316 309 0.86 266 54 340 282 50 8 2 815

299 282 0.79 224 53 285 255 25 5 2 705

326 306 0.78 238 52 295 230 45 20 7 570-600

2009-10 316 299 0.53 159 0 242 180 21 41 20 395

2010-11* 309 279 0.52 145 0 186 130 21 35 23 425-455

Seeded area (’000 acres) Harvested area (’000 acres) Yield (tonnes/acre) Production (’000 tonnes) Imports (’000 tonnes) Supply (’000 tonnes) Exports (’000 tonnes) Domestic use (’000 tonnes) Carry out stocks (’000 tonnes) Stocks to use ratio (%) Average price ($/tonne)

Agriculture Canada expects exports will total six million tonnes, down from 7.13 million.

In late 2009, the Canadian canola industry was reeling from China’s announcement that it was restricting imports of blackleg infected canola seed.

Canola not certified as free of the plant disease — and that is all of Canadian canola — could be shipped only to ports away from China’s rapeseed-growing region.

China said the form of the disease in Canada and Australia was more virulent than that found in China.

Total seed exports in 2009-10 fell to 7.13 million tonnes, down from 7.91 million the year before due mainly to reduced shipments to China.

Of that, China bought 2.25 million tonnes, down from the record 2.87 million the year before. Even after the reduction, China was the largest single buyer of Canadian canola.

While seed exports to China were down, canola oil exports jumped 64 percent to almost 650,000 tonnes. You would need to crush about 1.48 million tonnes of seed to get that much oil.

So in the end, with the combination of seed and oil exports, China took almost the same amount of canola that it did the year before.

This year, China’s domestic rapeseed crop was smaller at 12.8 million tonnes, down from 13.7 million last year.

However, the USDA forecasts that China’s canola imports this year will decline about 10 percent from last year.

Another impediment to trade was related to canola meal.

Salmonella detected in canola meal resulted in restricted access to the United States posing challenges for crushers.

Although overall canola meal exports rose slightly last crop year, exports to the U.S. dropped to 1.14 million tonnes from 1.77 million the year before.

Meal was sold instead to Asian countries at reduced profits.

Several canola crush plants that were on the U.S. restricted list are now approved for export, but several plants remain on the restricted list.

At this point the stage is set for strong canola prices but there are wildcards that could change the outlook. Key among them is the fragility of the world economy.

America’s economy is struggling. The threat of a double dip recession is fading, but not gone. The weakness of the U.S. economy is pressuring the greenback lower, causing the Canadian dollar to appreciate.

A strong loonie discourages exports and can hurt the profitability of Canadian crushers.

If the loonie climbs a lot higher, it could force a reassessment of canola exports and domestic use.

Market outlook continued on page 20

* Agriculture Canada forecast as of Oct. 14, 2010

Canaryseed outlook Canadian supply and disposition

2007-08 Seeded area (’000 acres) 440 Harvested area (’000 acres) 430 Yield (tonnes/acre) 0.38 Production (’000 tonnes) 162 Imports (’000 tonnes) 0 Supply (’000 tonnes) 282 Exports (’000 tonnes) 204 Domestic use (’000 tonnes) 13 Carry out stocks (’000 tonnes) 65 Stocks to use ratio (%) 30 Average price ($/tonne) 560

2008-09 415 405 0.48 196 0 261 153 25 83 47 480

* Agriculture Canada forecast as of Oct. 14, 2010

Chickpea outlook Canadian supply and disposition

2007-08 Seeded area (’000 acres) 430 Harvested area (’000 acres) 430 Yield (tonnes/acre) 0.52 Production (’000 tonnes) 225 Imports (’000 tonnes) 8 Supply (’000 tonnes) 243 Exports (’000 tonnes) 69 Domestic use (’000 tonnes) 83 Carry out stocks (’000 tonnes) 92 Stocks to use ratio (%) 61 Average price ($/tonne) 560

2008-09 131 126 0.53 67 4 163 53 48 62 61 560

2009-10 79 74 0.77 57 49 168 65 83 20 13 540

2010-11* 151 131 0.62 81 5 106 50 46 10 10 454-575

* Agriculture Canada forecast as of Oct. 14, 2010

Flax outlook Canadian supply and disposition

2007-08 Seeded area (’000 acres) 1,305 Harvested area (’000 acres) 1,295 Yield (tonnes/acre) 0.49 Production (’000 tonnes) 634 Imports (’000 tonnes) 8 Supply (’000 tonnes) 1,013 Exports (’000 tonnes) 679 Domestic use (’000 tonnes) 167 Carry out stocks (’000 tonnes) 167 Average price ($/tonne) 611

2008-09 1,559 1,544 0.56 861 7 1,035 639 168 229 500

2009-10 1,709 1,539 0.60 930 6 1,165 772 104 289 424

2010-11* 1,065 986 0.55 537 5 831 600 131 100 525-575

* Agriculture Canada forecast as of Oct. 14, 2010

Source: Agriculture Canada & Statistics Canada

19

The Western Producer

WP graphics

Beans Dry bean production is expected to increase to 238,000 tonnes in 2010-11. The projected increase is due largely to increased acreage in Ontario. White pea types are expected to see a sharp increase, while production of most coloured types is projected to fall marginally. Total harvested acreage, including all bean types, increased in 2010-11 due to high prices observed the year before. Supply is also expected to rise. Dry bean exports are expected to fall slightly. Shipments to Europe are likely to increase but gains there will be offset by a reduction in exports to the United States. American dry bean production is expected to reach a near-record 1.3 million tonnes, according to the United States Department of Agriculture. Canada’s carry-out stocks are expected to increase sharply and prices for all types and grades are expected to fall.

Canaryseed Canadian canaryseed production is expected to fall to about 145,000 tonnes in 2010-11, due to lower harvested acreage and lower than normal yields. Supplies are likely to fall due to reduced production and low carry-in stocks.

Canadian exports are expected to decrease due to limited availability. Carry-out stocks are also expected to fall. Together these factors should result in higher prices, relative to 2009-10.

Chickpeas Chickpea production is expected to increase in 201011 to roughly 81,000 tonnes. The projected increase is the function of higher yields and a larger harvested area relative to 2009-10. Kabuli production is expected to rise while desi production is unlikely to change. Total chickpea supplies are expected to fall due to low carry-in stocks.

Exports are likely to decrease as a result of lower demand from Asia and India. Despite the anticipated reduction in exports, Canadian carry-out stocks are expected to fall.

Prices are likely to increase due to low supplies in Canada and abroad.

Flax Production of flax in the 2010-11 crop year is estimated at 540,000 tonnes, down 42 percent from last year. The decrease in production is due mainly to a significant decrease in seeded acres and in yield. Supplies of flax are about 30 percent lower than last year and exports are expected to decline 22 percent due to limited supplies. Total domestic consumption is expected to rise slightly but carry-out stocks are expected to fall to about 100,000 tonnes. Flax prices are expected to rise due to tight supplies and strong world usage.

Lentils Lentil production will be up marginally in 2010-11 due to a sharp increase in harvested acreage, according to Agriculture Canada. Production of large green types will be up marginally to 600,000 tonnes, while red lentil production will increase to 900,000 tonnes. Statistics Canada estimates a 16 percent increase this year in total harvested acreage for all lentil types. Supply is expected to rise by four percent to a record 1.6 million tonnes. Canadian exports are expected to decrease due to lower demand in Turkey and India.

Western Canola and Pulse Crops Producer

Lentil outlook Canadian supply and disposition

2007-08 Seeded area (’000 acres) 1,334 Harvested area (’000 acres) 1,320 Yield (tonnes/acre) 0.55 Production (’000 tonnes) 734 Imports (’000 tonnes) 9 Supply (’000 tonnes) 942 Exports (’000 tonnes) 811 Domestic use (’000 tonnes) 80 Carry out stocks (’000 tonnes) 51 Stocks to use ratio (%) 6 Average price ($/tonne) 635

2008-09 1,743 1,729 0.60 1,043 7 1,102 973 97 32 3 750

2009-10 2,398 2,379 0.64 1,510 10 1,552 1,384 116 52 3 645

2010-11* 3,043 2,818 0.55 1,552 8 1,612 1,300 167 145 10 600-630

* Agriculture Canada forecast as of Oct. 14, 2010

Mustard outlook Canadian supply and disposition

2007-08 Seeded area (’000 acres) 435 Harvested area (’000 acres) 435 Yield (tonnes/acre) 0.28 Production (’000 tonnes) 123 Imports (’000 tonnes) 0 Supply (’000 tonnes) 215 Exports (’000 tonnes) 168 Domestic use (’000 tonnes) 20 Carry out stocks (’000 tonnes) 27 Stocks to use ratio (%) 14 Average price ($/tonne) 695

2008-09 479 459 0.35 161 1 189 131 14 44 30 845

2009-10 524 514 0.40 208 0 253 128 25 100 66 510

2010-11* 410 385 0.41 159 0 259 135 24 100 63 440-470

* Agriculture Canada forecast as of Oct. 14, 2010

Pea outlook Canadian supply and disposition

2007-08 Seeded area (’000 acres) 3,628 Harvested area (’000 acres) 3,564 Yield (tonnes/acre) 0.82 Production (’000 tonnes) 2,935 Imports (’000 tonnes) 28 Supply (’000 tonnes) 3,139 Exports (’000 tonnes) 2,202 Domestic use (’000 tonnes) 683 Carry out stocks (’000 tonnes) 255 Stocks to use ratio (%) 9 Average price ($/tonne) 305

2008-09 3,994 3,908 0.91 3,571 15 3,841 2,826 571 445 13 250

2009-10 3,759 3,673 0.92 3,379 55 3,880 2,175 910 795 26 185

2010-11* 3,423 3,191 0.87 2,778 30 3,603 2,400 803 400 12 150-180

* Agriculture Canada forecast as of Oct. 14, 2010

Soybean outlook Canadian supply and disposition

2007-08 Seeded area (’000 acres) 2,916 Harvested area (’000 acres) 2,896 Yield (tonnes/acre) 0.66 Production (’000 tonnes) 2,696 Imports (’000 tonnes) 337 Supply (’000 tonnes) 3,503 Exports (’000 tonnes) 1,696 Domestic use (’000 tonnes) 1,686 Carry out stocks (’000 tonnes) 121 Average price ($/tonne) 432

2008-09 2,969 2,952 1.13 3,336 350 3,807 1,888 1,699 220 413

2009-10 3,443 3,414 1.02 3,507 370 4,097 2,059 1,738 300 359

2010-11* 3,611 3,593 1.12 4,208 350 4,678 2,500 1,928 250 350-390

* Agriculture Canada forecast as of Oct. 14, 2010

Source: Agriculture Canada & Statistics Canada

20

WP graphics

Carry-out stocks for lentils are projected to rise significantly due to abundant supplies. Average lentil prices are likely to fall, relative to 2009-10, reflecting higher supplies in Canada and abroad. Exporters will also see increased competition originating from the United States, Australia and Turkey.

Mustard Canadian mustard production is expected to drop in 2010-11 to roughly 159,000 tonnes. Yellow mustard production will see the largest drop, while production of brown and oriental types is expected to remain mostly unchanged.

Despite reduced production, total domestic supplies are expected to increase due to high carry-in stocks. Exports are also expected to rise, particularly to markets in Europe and the United States.

Carry-out stocks at the end of the 2010-11 crop year are projected to decrease but supplies will continue to be burdensome.

Prices are expected to decrease slightly from 2009-10 due to high carry-outs for the second consecutive year.

Peas Field pea production will be down an estimated 18 percent in 2010-11 at 2.8 million tonnes. The decrease is due largely to low margins, lower harvested acreage and poor yields, particularly in Saskatchewan. Agriculture Canada has projected yellow pea production to fall to 2.2 million tonnes and green production to increase slightly to 600,000 tonnes.

Exports are projected to increase to 2.4 million tonnes, due to rising demand from India and lower prices. In Canada, domestic use is expected to fall while carry-outs are forecast to drop to around 400,000 tonnes. Prices are forecast to fall due to abundant supplies. Prices could also be pressured downward if the quality of the 2010-11 crop is poor and more peas are forced into feed markets.

Soybeans Canadian soybean production continues to rise. In the 2010-11 crop year, soybean production is expected to increase by 13 percent with total production surpassing four million tonnes, a new record. Yields are also expected to be up, roughly five percent above the five-year average. Canadian supplies are expected to increase by 14 percent to an estimated 4.7 million tonnes. Exports are also expected to increase to a record 2.5 million tonnes. v

Buying time

The deadline to repay cash advances has been extended to Jan. 31, but the extension is only available to farmers affected by excess moisture

By Bryn Levy Western Producer Staff

E

very cloud has a silver lining, including the clouds that covered much of Western Canada this year.

Rick White, general manager of the Canadian Canola Growers Association said the same wet weather that disrupted seeding and harvest operations this year also bought farmers some extra time to pay back cash advances.

Earlier this fall, the CCGA confirmed that farmers who couldn’t move their canola due to wet conditions would have until Jan. 31, 2011 to pay back their advances without penalty.

The CCGA distributes cash advances to non-board grain and oilseed producers as part of Agriculture Canada’s advance payment program.

Advances of up to $400,000 are available, with the first $100,000 interest-free.

The deadline for repayment of 2009 advances was Sept. 30, 2010 but that deadline was pushed back four months, giving canola growers some breathing room.

“We started getting a tremendous number of calls from the farmers that had advances with us saying that they could not get their grain hauled in and they weren’t going to be able to haul their grain in to pay off their advance before the deadline,” said White.

The calls prompted him to ask federal agriculture minister Gerry Ritz to authorize an extension.

Usually this process would take four weeks. This time, the extension was authorized in just over a week.

“The stay will give farmers a bit of breathing room, allowing some time for the ground to freeze in order for them to access their storage bins and market their product,” said Ritz in an Oct. 4 news release.

The stay is strictly for producers affected by wet weather in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia.

21

A late harvest and wet conditions have thrown unexpected obstacles at prairie farmers this year.

An extension on the cash advance repayment deadline may give farmers some breathing room. | FILE PHOTO

“We will be talking to those producers to find out why they were not able to pay off their advances by the end of the deadline, and for those that say that they couldn’t get their grain hauled and therefore couldn’t get their advance paid off, those are the ones the stay will be offered to,” said White.

“But they do have to be in that situation, and we have a good idea of what regions were very wet and affected.” v

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Western Canola and Pulse Crops Producer

22

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23

The Western Producer

09/10-14760-01C

System on trial

Farmers concerned about the suspension of Prairie Canola Variety Trials in 2010 are hoping the trials will be resurrected in 2011. But timelines are tight and questions remain about how the trials should be conducted

By Brian Cross Western Producer Staff

C

anola growers who are wondering if the Prairie Canola Variety Trials (PCVT) will be resurrected in the spring of 2011 will have to wait a bit longer for an answer.

The PCVT are a set of prairie-wide trials designed to compare the yield and agronomic performance of new and existing canola varieties.

The trials are a highly valued source of information among Western Canadian canola growers.

Data from the trials is commonly used to make canola variety selections and seed-buying choices.

Until recently, the variety trials were conducted annually at more than two dozen sites across the West.

But in 2010, the trials were suspended after a number of participating seed companies raised concerns over the way trials were being conducted and the manner in which data was being presented.

One of the main points of contention was the use of herbicides.

Historically, trial organizers have used the same herbicide treatments on all canola varieties being tested, regardless of whether the canola varieties being tested were Roundup Ready (RR) varieties, Liberty Link, Clearfield or conventional varieties without any herbicide tolerant traits.

The fact that dedicated herbicides were not being used on herbicide tolerant varieties put those varieties at a significant disadvantage in the trials, companies argued.

According to recent reports, more than

95 percent of all canola acres planted in Canada in 2007 were sown to herbicide tolerant varieties.

“Certain companies felt that the protocols being used for the PCVT were not representative of what growers would see in their fields with the canola hybrids,” said Brad Ewankiw, an official with Bayer CropScience.

“They felt that because (the PCVT) was a small plot system and that (dedicated) herbicide systems were not being utilized, the results of the trials were being skewed.”

Although the suspension of 2010 trials will leave farmers without up-to-date PCVT data this winter, Ewankiw said canola seed companies are still optimistic that the trials can be revived in time for 2011 planting.

But he acknowledged timelines will be tight.

Before any test plots are planted, seed companies must come to an agreement on how they would like future trials to be conducted.

After a consensus is reached, trial organizers must identify test sites, collect seed samples from participating canola seed companies, contract personnel to sow and maintain the sites, and ensure that all other logistical arrangements are in place.

“It (timing) is definitely a concern,” said Ewankiw.

This year, Bayer and five other canola seed companies — Viterra, Monsanto, Cargill and Canterra — took part in an exercise aimed at comparing different field trial systems to determine which one

Western Canola and Pulse Crops Producer

24

should be used in PCVT. In that exercise, six different canola varieties were planted at six different sites across the West. Three different plot sizes were used at each location.

When the plots are harvested, company representatives will review the data and decide which system most accurately reflects the performance of canola varieties.

“Participating companies felt that we needed to look at three different plot options … to understand … the differences,” Ewankiw said.

“Are there true differences between the three protocols and if there are, … what do we need to do within the PCVT to mitigate those differences and get a more realistic look at performance?”

Companies participating in the exercise have already decided that yield results from the plot study will not be shared publicly.

“The information is solely for the purpose of comparing the different protocols so that we can come up with a recommendation on what the PCVT could look like in the future,” Ewankiw said.

Denise Maurice, vice-president of crop production with the Canola Council of Canada, said the canola council has been working hard with growers and seed industry stakeholders to ensure the prairiewide trials will be resurrected in time for spring planting in 2011.

She said the canola council will be advocating a new guidance process in which canola growers and seed companies have more influence in determining how the trials are conducted.

Will the plots thicken?

“We are gong to look at a whole new approach … so that seed companies and the growers themselves are more engaged in the entire process,” Maurice said.

In consultations with farmers and canola growers organizations, the canola council determined that farmers value PCVT data, but are not completely satisfied with the way the trials were being conducted.

Maurice said many farmers would prefer that the trials use dedicated herbicides on herbicide tolerant varieties and that trial plots be managed in a way that reflects common farming practices, such a zero-tillage.

“If the majority of farmers are direct seeders, then why are we doing all of this tillage on test sites?” Maurice said.

Farmers also want more say in which varieties are included in the trials and they want the trials managed by a third-party independent body to ensure that trial data is generated without bias, she added.

In the past, seed companies alone have determined which varieties will be tested in the trials.

Maurice said the council would be presenting new PCVT governance models sometime this fall.

Ideally, the new governance system will result in a more responsive PCVT program that satisfies seed companies and growers.

“I’m not sure what the total structure will look like … but I think that’s what we need is everyone at the table being represented and having a voice ….”

By December, Maurice is hoping to have a clearer picture of what shape the new trials will take. v

Canola seed companies take a closer look at the methods used in Prairie Canola Variety Trials

C

anola seed companies in Canada are conducting a private study this year that they say will improve accuracy of data generated through the Prairie Canola Variety Trials (PCVT).

The PCVT program was suspended this year because some companies were concerned that trial data did not accurately reflect the performance of some canola varieties.

In hopes of devising a better PCVT program, five companies initiated their own study to compare the merits of different test plot systems.

Canola companies Bayer, Canterra/DL Seeds, Cargill, Monsanto/Dekalb and Viterra selected six tests sites across Western Canada and compared three different plot configurations at each site.

Brad Ewankiw, a manager with Bayer CropScience who helped to oversee the plot comparison study, said the companies were hoping to include more test sites but weather challenges limited the scope of the exercise.

At each test site, the companies planted six different canola varieties — InVigor 5440, InVigor L150, Dekalb 7265, Viterra 9553, Cargill V1040 and an experimental line from DL Seeds.

At each location, the varieties were planted in small plots, mid-sized plots and large farmer-seeded strip trials.

Each plot size was replicated two or three times to reduce variability in results.

• Small plot trials were approximately 1.5 to 2.1 metres wide and five to six metres long.

The entire plot was harvested and weed control was accomplished using pre-burn glyphosate and conventional pre-emergent herbicides.Dedicated herbicide systems were not used on herbicide tolerant varieties.

• Mid-sized plots were approximately four to eight metres wide and 12 metres long.

At harvest time, a one-metre strip was left unharvested at each side of the plot to account for yield variability around the plot perimeter.

Weed control was accomplished using dedicated herbicide systems specifically designed for use on each canola variety.

Roundup Ready varieties were treated with glyphosate, Liberty Link varieties were treated with glufonsinate and Clearfield varieties were treated with Odyssey or other herbicides registered for use on Clearfield production systems.

• Large, farmer seeded strip trials varied in size from site to site, depending on the width of seeding equipment available.

The strips ranged in length from 600 to 1,000 feet. Dedicated herbicide systems were used on herbicide tolerant crops.

At harvest, the strip trials were harvested down the middle of the plots leaving an unharvested border.

According to Ewankiw, a controlled study that compares different plot systems will help canola seed companies determine which system is best suited for use in canola variety performance trials.

Officials from the five participating companies hope to evaluate the results from plot system study before midNovember. v — CROSS

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25

The Western Producer

2009

Canola Variety Trials Test Results C o-ordinated by the Canola Council of Canada, the Prairie Canola Variety Trials are conducted by seed companies, government researchers and independent contractors using a standardized protocol to ensure consistent results.

In 2009, trials were conducted in three growing season zones across the prairies – short, mid, and long. Replicated tests took place at each trial site to group varieties with similar days to maturity and to ensure valid statistical comparisons.

Test plots were kept weed-free using conventional herbicides. Herbicide-tolerant varieties were not sprayed with their companion herbicides.

Growers are urged to choose a variety that is moderately resistant (MR) or resistant (R) to blackleg to improve the odds of avoiding severe infections.

Varieties with an R rating have shown the greatest ability to suppress blackleg incidence and severity when compared to more susceptible check varieties in registration trials.

Strains of blackleg that fall into different pathogroups (PG3, PG4 and PGT) have been confirmed in recent years and not all varieties will have resistance to these strains.

As a result, individual field performance of varieties may vary from performance in the registration trials. In fields where newer blackleg strains have been confirmed, fall field scouting has revealed higher-than-expected levels of blackleg, or if there has been a history of tight canola rotations, it may be necessary to lengthen rotation to achieve sufficient control of blackleg.

When assessing varieties, check the PCVT results for information on yield performance.

Look at all locations in your growing season zone and the average yield for your zone. Ask your seed dealer for more

Fort Vermilion

SEASON ZONES

Peace River

OF THE PRAIRIES

Long Season Mid Season Short Season

Slave Lake Grande Prairie

Edmonton

Lloydminster North Battleford

Melfort

Saskatoon Calgary

Dauphin Regina

Medicine Hat Lethbridge

Swift Current

information on specific varieties.

Review additional data on the Canola Performance On-line Database (POD) at www.canolacouncil.org/ POD. Finally, consider other information such as maturity, lodging resistance and cost when selecting a variety.

In 2009, 45H21 and InVigor 5020 were used as check varieties. The checks are more representative of the varieties being grown today. Most canola growers choose herbicide-tolerant varieties and can relate to popular hybrids like 45H21 and 5020.

PCVT results are now reported as a percentage of the average of these two checks.

Remember not to get fooled by a variety that may have yielded 120 percent of the check a couple of years ago but performed at only 95 percent of the checks in 2007 or 2008. This does not mean the variety is yielding any less.

The difference is simply due to the much improved yield performance of the new check varieties.

Use the site map on this page to identify the growing season zone and trial locations closest to your farm.

However, do not limit the data you

Western Canola and Pulse Crops Producer

26

Swan River

Brandon

Winnipeg

Carman

review to just these locations. Compare local results to other locations within the same growing season zone and look at the average yield of a variety across the entire zone.

Zone tables show the average yield of the checks (45H21 and InVigor 5020) as 100 percent and other variety yields as a percentage.

Compare each variety to the check varieties, not to other varieties. Comparisons between varieties in different tests are not statistically valid, even if they were conducted at the same location.

Also keep in mind that although variety trials are conducted carefully, small percentage differences in yield are usually meaningless.

Check the Least Significant Difference of the test. If the difference between two varieties is less than the LSD, the yields of those varieties should not be considered to be different.

The Coefficient of Variation gives an indication of the random variability in the test. The smaller the CV, the better the test. v

All Zo

0

0

0

0

0

0

30423-C7* Syn 99 97 94 97 4 5505 CL Hyb 91 3 5525 CL Hyb 103 102 100 102 3 1651H Hyb 89 85 88 30120-B6* 92 30522-C7* Hyb 96 97 97 45H73 Hyb 93 97 99 97 99 98 1 45P70 Hyb 97 98 98 97 98 102 1

3 2 3 2 2 3 1 2

3 2 3 2 2 3 0 1

3 2 3 2 2 3 1 2

4 3 4 3 2 4 1 1

1 0 1 0 0 1 0 0

-1 0 0 3 0 0 2

-1 1 1 3 0 0 2

-1 1 1 4 0 1 2

-1 5 3 3 0 2 2

0 1 1 1 0 0 0

Checks

Average of 45H21 & 5020

Mid

Lon g

Hei g Inc ht +/hes Lod gi += ng Rat bet ing ter Bla Rat ckleg ing

100

Days to Maturity +/- days to 45H21, 5020 Zones

nes

100

A Avlel Zone rag e

Lon g(

100

( 14 ) Mid

Argentine Canola

Sho rt (8 )

B. napus

10)

2009 Yield % of 45H21, 5020 Zones (Station Years)

Variety

% o 2 008 f All 45H21Yield Zon , 5 es 020 200 Avg % o 7 Yi All f 46 eld Zon A65 es A vg Sho rt

All Season Zone Summary

Organization

TYPE Hyb

100

100

100

Clearfield

0

BrettYoung Seeds

R BrettYoung MR BrettYoung R BrettYoung R Canterra Seeds MR Canterra Seeds R DL Seeds R Pioneer Hi-Bred R Viterra Inc.

LIBERTY LIBERTY LINK 5020 5030 5440 5770 8440 9590 PHS07-526*, **

Hyb Hyb Hyb Hyb Hyb Hyb Hyb

102 108 118 112 105 102 104

102 104 105 107 103 104 102

103 114 117 121 109 106 107

102 105 101 108 108 114 112 110 115 113 105 108 107 104 106 107 104

-1 1 1 4 2 2 3

R R R R R R R

Bayer CropScience Bayer CropScience Bayer CropScience Bayer CropScience Bayer CropScience Bayer CropScience Bayer CropScience

ROUNDUP READY 997 RR

OP

87

2

1

1

1

1

0

R

BrettYoung

4414 RR

Hyb

88

1

1

1

1

2

0

R

BrettYoung

4424 RR

Hyb

92

3

2

1

2

4

0

MR

BrettYoung

4434 RR

Hyb

88

3

2

1

2

2

0

MR

BrettYoung

6020 RR

Hyb

6040 RR

Hyb

H6087*

Hyb

1950

Hyb

100 92

93

102

98

5

3

3

3

0

0

MR

BrettYoung

94

103

98

1

1

1

2

0

R

BrettYoung BrettYoung

92

95

93

2

2

1

2

2

0

MR

94

94

94

2

2

2

2

0

MR Canterra Seeds R Canterra Seeds

1956

Syn

98

95

97

2

2

2

1

0

1852H

Hyb

94

84

91

1

-1

-1

0

2

0

R Canterra Seeds

30507-B6*

Hyb

92

2

2

2

0

0

MR Canterra Seeds

v1037**

Hyb

94

1

0

1

2

0

R Cargill -Victory Hybrid Canola

V2018**

Hyb

94

96

2

2

2

1

0

MR Cargill -Victory Hybrid Canola

V2030**

Hyb

30214-C7*

Hyb

30412-B6*

94

93

89

91

94

94

1

1

1

2

0

MR Cargill -Victory Hybrid Canola

99

97

1

0

0

2

0

MR DL Seeds

Hyb

94

94

1

1

2

0

MR DL Seeds

D3150

Hyb

100

97

98

98

96

3

1

1

2

2

0

MR Dupont

D3151

Hyb

97

100

97

98

95

1

0

-1

0

1

0

MR Dupont

91

96

83S01 RR

Syn

0

-1

0

2

0

MR

FP Genetics

93H01RR

Hyb

96

94

93

94

3

1

1

2

2

0

MR

FP Genetics

71-45 RR

Hyb

102

98

94

98

1

-1

0

0

1

0

MR Dekalb

98

97

98

95

1

1

1

1

1

0

R

Pioneer Hi-Bred

91

90

-2

-2

-2

-2

MR

Pioneer Hi-Bred

85

97

45H21

Hyb

98

43E01

Hyb

91

45H26

Hyb

99

101

98

100

99

45H28

Hyb

102

99

100

100

100

CafĂŠ

OP

Rugby OP

99 101

2

1

1

1

2

0

R

Pioneer Hi-Bred

2

1

2

2

1

0

R

Pioneer Hi-Bred

R SeCan

81

81

82

76

-1

-1

-2

0

84

87

86

89

1

0

0

0

0 R SeCan

89

9350

Hyb

93

93

-1

-1

-2

-1

MR

9553

Hyb

105

102

2

1

2

2

0

R

Viterra Inc.

9555

Syn

95

2

2

2

0

R

Viterra Inc.

46P50

Hyb

101

3

3

3

3

0

R

Viterra Inc.

1

1

1

0

R

Viterra Inc.

103

102

100

95 100

102

97 96

103

3

SP Desirable RR Syn 92 92 88 *Not registered **Specialty oil Type: OP open pollinated; SYN - synthetic; and HYB - hybrid

27

2

The Western Producer

Viterra Inc.

Site Specific Information Daw son Cree k, BC

Ft. V erm illio n, AB

Nest ow, AB

Sexs mith , AB

Shel lbro ok, S K

St. P aul, AB

Wes tlock , AB

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

45H73

93

97

102

102

80

92

99

99

76

5020 8440 9590

101 105 102

99 98 107

99 114 113

103 102 106

105 104 99

100 105 93

103 123 121

99 105 91

103 91 89

101 123 101 102 110 106 109 86 105 110 97

92 108 101 94 105 111 101 86 93 110 99

97 89 97 90 102 111 101 73 95 105 94

92 102 95 92 89 91 90 87 86 94 84

82 99 100 89 102 100 96 84 92 110 85

103 94 97 85 101 99 90 68 85 96 84

92 109 101 91 102 108 100 88 101 106 96

94 93 97 83 82 88 87 79 88 112 97

32 9

56 8

63 10

37 6

33 6

67 6

21 8

66 15

13

11

14

8

8

8

11

19

Ft. S t.

Variety

John , BC

200 9 Av erag e Yie ld

Short Season Zone Test 1

Checks

Average of 45H21 & 5020

Clearfield Liberty Link

Roundup ready 1852H 94 71-45 RR 102 45H21 99 43E01 91 45H26 99 45H28 102 D3151 97 CafĂŠ 81 9350 93 9553 105 SP Desirable RR 92 45H21, 5020 Yield Bushels/Acre 47 CV 8 LSD .05 (As % of 45H21, 5020) 11 *Not registered **Specialty oil

Daw son Cree k, BC

Ft. V erm illio n, AB

Nest ow, AB

Sexs mith , AB

Shel lbro ok, S K

St. P aul, AB

Wes tlock , AB

Average of 45H21 & 5020

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

30423-C7* 5525 CL 45P70

99 103 97

94 100 92

93 99 100

92 87 91

87 98 83

113 109 100

104 113 104

113 114 94

94 106 108

102 108 118 112 104

106 104 108 95 96

101 95 110 105 104

102 101 107 104 89

106 93 118 111 104

101 120 116 123 100

104 127 129 127 120

97 114 131 120 108

102 111 125 107 109

97 78 89 94 96 88 103

89 86 95 99 100 82 108

101 90 91 98 95 79 97

96 92 93 94 92 72 85

108 91 98 99 105 83 114

105 106 105 96 92 82 103

100 101 97 103 101 92 110

107 90 98 98 121 95 100

35 10

73 7

59 8

36 6

28 11

70 7

20 8

81 11

14

10

11

8

17

10

12

17

Ft. S t.

Variety

John , BC

200 9 Av erag e Yie ld

Short Season Zone Test 2

Checks

Clearfield Liberty Link 5020 5030 5440 5770 PHS07-526*,**

Roundup ready 6020 100 H6087* 92 93H01RR 96 45H21 98 D3150 100 Rugby 84 46P50 103 45H21, 5020 Yield Bushels/Acre 50 CV 8 LSD .05 (As % of 45H21, 5020) 12 *Not registered **Specialty oil

Western Canola and Pulse Crops Producer

28

Edm onto n, A B

Elfro s, SK

Ft. S aska tche wan , AB

Ham iota , MB

Killa m, A B

Lake Leno re, S K

Lani gan , SK

Mel fort , SK

Nort h Ba ttlef ord, SK Scot t, SK

Wat rous , SK

York ton, SK

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

97

99

87

91

85

97

95

98

108

98

94

99

99

120

90

102 103 104 102

103 104 107 99

98 95 87 101

101 98 100 102

104 100 89 89

105 106 107 104

100 94 98 101

99 95 109 107

98 113 111 107

100 102 105 98

109 106 108 105

103 110 110 110

98 99 100 94

106 120 123 112

104 94 101 104

92 97 93 97 92 97 93 95 101 101 88 105

83 91 82 100 100 102 106 99 90 108 95 98

86 83 91 86 110 99 103 105 97 90 85 103

85 86 74 72 87 96 90 90 88 88 77 96

86 83 82 79 98 95 85 83 97 92 78 98

90 99 97 102 92 100 100 96 95 105 86 97

109 108 114 86 102 101 109 116 85 96 94 116

88 100 94 107 94 102 116 104 109 106 98 93

94 91 88 90 88 100 101 101 104 102 88 106

86 82 99 88 94 91 89 97 92 99 82 103

96 101 96 98 102 97 103 102 103 96 95 104

94 87 97 101 109 102 101 100 91 98 90 88

110 110 99 102 110 94 119 108 110 114 104 119

87 91 104 96 92 96 98 94 97 97 83 97

73 7

63 12

55 7

46 6

57 10

59 10

30 15

77 12

64 7

82 7

72 4

73 9

89 9

38 11

10

16

10

8

13

13

21

18

10

9

6

12

14

15

200 9 Av erag e Yi eld Dau phin , MB

Variety

Durb an, M B

Mid Season Zone Test 1

Checks

Average of 45H21 & 5020

Clearfield 45H73

Liberty Link 5020 8440 9590 PHS07-526*,**

Roundup ready

H6087* 92 1950 94 1852H 94 v1037** 93 71-45RR 98 45H21 98 45H26 101 45H28 99 D3150 97 D3151 100 Rugby 89 9553 102 45H21, 5020 Yield Bushels/Acre 63 CV 9 LSD .05 (As % of 45H21, 5020) 13 *Not registered **Specialty oil

Edm onto n, A B

Elfro s, SK

Ft. S aska tche wan , AB

Ham iota , MB

Killa m, A B

Lake Leno re, S K

Lani gan , SK

Mel fort , SK

Nort h Ba ttlef ord, SK Scot t, SK

Wat rous , SK

York ton, SK

Average of 45H21 & 5020

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

30423-C7* 5525 CL 1651H 30522-C7* 45P70

97 102 89 96 98

84 103 83 102 102

97 102 91 104 102

103 108 100 100 101

91 94 90 82 92

91 93 75 85 94

90 90 97 93 101

110 119 99 107 108

107 103 89 92 92

105 106 84 100 96

98 105 89 105 97

103 101 91 101 104

104 103 92 99 91

96 105 83 98 94

84 95 89 81 92

5020 5030 5440 5770

102 104 105 107

016 88 94 112

100 111 110 100

100 110 115 110

102 102 106 105

108 107 113 115

104 109 101 115

92 99 105 115

102 102 98 98

98 108 116 116

103 112 110 109

103 108 112 116

100 101 93 106

103 105 109 111

100 101 90 77

6020 RR 93 6040 RR 94 1956 98 30214-C7* 96 93H01RR 94 45H21 98 9555 95 46P50 100 45H21, 5020 Yield Bushels/Acre 61 CV 9 LSD .05 (As % of 45H21, 5020) 12 *Not registered **Specialty oil

87 92 94 97 95 94 86 104

82 90 94 109 87 100 105 102

101 92 99 90 98 100 96 99

101 90 89 90 89 98 80 96

91 95 100 87 94 92 99 96

99 94 103 96 101 96 106 101

78 93 107 101 105 108 98 111

95 93 97 97 84 98 89 98

94 101 97 93 90 102 96 106

93 97 101 97 96 97 96 104

96 98 97 98 100 97 101 101

94 97 103 100 95 100 98 99

100 106 97 97 90 97 92 97

90 83 92 87 87 100 84 91

65 13

51 14

48 6

41 7

59 9

58 8

33 12

86 10

60 9

71 6

76 4

67 8

101 6

42 13

18

20

8

10

13

11

17

13

13

9

6

11

8

17

Variety

200 9 Av erag e Yi eld Dau phin , MB

Durb an, M B

Mid Season Zone Test 2

Checks

Clearfield

Liberty Link

Roundup ready

29

The Western Producer

200 9 Av erag e Yi eld

Arde n, M B

Bois seva in, M B

High Bluff , MB

Lete llier , MB

Outl ook , SK

Port age, MB

Ston ewa ll, M B

Tho rnhi ll, M B

Treh erne , MB

Win nipe g, M B

Long Season Zone Test 1

Average of 45H21 & 5020

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

45H73

99

103

92

98

91

101

99

94

98

116

98

5020 8440 9590 PHS07-526*,**

104 109 106 107

103 107 108 108

109 115 107 119

106 112 106 114

102 118 107 92

106 109 105 102

101 99 103 93

103 101 101 106

107 100 103 114

106 117 117 107

98 108 107 114

99 69 73 89 81 80 97 91 102 102 104 99

112 104 86 95 98 106 91 94 100 95 103 101

98 102 90 96 89 88 94 92 99 97 93 100

90 99 74 93 91 98 98 104 100 85 82 95

91 91 101 93 93 110 94 102 105 107 102 109

76 91 82 83 94 84 99 93 85 95 97 81

92 87 84 84 96 96 97 99 97 102 97 96

96 92 84 94 97 80 93 93 104 88 97 105

102 96 91 82 105 97 94 114 119 115 104 119

91 109 79 81 98 97 102 97 95 94 91 94

57 8

63 7

77 7

63 13

98 6

104 14

80 8

75 13

48 8

51 7

11

10

10

18

8

18

11

21

13

9

Variety

Checks

Clearfield Liberty Link

Roundup ready

H6087* 95 1950 94 1852H 84 v1037** 89 30412-B6* 94 71-45RR 94 45H21 96 45H26 98 45H28 100 D3150 98 D3151 97 9553 100 45H21, 5020 Yield Bushels/Acre 71 CV 9 LSD .05 (As % of 45H21, 5020) 13 *Not registered **Specialty oil

200 9 Av erag e Yi eld

Arde n, M B

Bois seva in, M B

High Bluff , MB

Lete llier , MB

Outl ook , SK

Port age, MB

Ston ewa ll, M B

Tho rnhi ll, M B

Treh erne , MB

Win nipe g, M B

Long Season Zone Test 2

Average of 45H21 & 5020

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

30423-C7* 5525 CL 1651H 30522-C7* 45P70

94 100 85 97 98

100 100 89 101 91

104 90 91 95 89

90 98 79 104 97

76 85 73 66 91

86 96 79 87 100

89 105 80 99 97

97 95 86 103 104

97 101 100 93 99

104 107 92 109 106

98 120 82 112 104

5020 5030 5440 5770

102 114 117 121

105 128 126 127

108 112 103 116

103 115 111 117

101 99 107 111

104 111 106 101

95 109 121 128

105 99 106 116

96 128 152 136

107 120 116 124

100 116 119 131

6020 RR 102 6040 RR 103 1956 95 30214-C7* 99 93H01RR 93 45H21 98 46P50 102 45H21, 5020 Yield Bushels/Acre 67 CV 8 LSD .05 (As % of 45H21, 5020) 12 *Not registered **Specialty oil

94 103 105 100 96 95 100

87 94 99 91 93 92 95

96 98 97 103 93 97 91

106 108 80 106 85 99 89

93 96 96 96 91 96 104

116 106 90 92 95 105 96

101 104 93 98 87 95 108

96 107 93 102 109 104 127

109 104 102 107 88 93 109

124 111 95 95 89 100 99

56 7

50 9

79 5

60 12

103 6

88 10

75 8

64 11

49 6

41 9

10

13

8

15

9

15

11

20

9

13

Variety

Checks

Clearfield

Liberty Link

Roundup ready

Western Canola and Pulse Crops Producer

30

Complete performance.

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Available in granular, liquid and sterile peat formulations, Nodulator ® gives you the winning edge every season.

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