The Canadian Farmers Report
Welcome to the very first issue of, “The Canadian Farmers Report.” We will be bringing an issue to you every month on key topics that can help you make your next decision when it comes to your crops. We will have inputs from out District Sales Managers, dealers and fellow growers on these certain subjects so we can give you the most information. In this issue we will be taking a look at two points that have a big focus right now in the agriculture world. The Roundup Ready 2 Xtend ™ technology that is still pending registration and is not currently available for commercial sale or commercial planting when it comes to soybeans, as well as looking at residue management. We want to hear from the growers and dealers perspective about 2,4-D resistant beans vs. Dicamba resistant beans. Is there a need for a new herbicide tolerance? How will this ability to fight against 2,4-D resistant weeds affect other surrounding crops? This is the feedback we received.
24D VS Dicamba
When it comes down to the facts, having another option of weed control is always welcomed anywhere around Ontario. It is agreed by all of Country Farm Seeds District Sales Managers that this will be an advantage to controlling weeds in soybeans. “Another tool in the tool box,” a farmer can use in the fight against resistant weeds. With Canadian Fleabane being a major issue more in Southwestern part of Ontario, The East is very happy that a Dicamba resistant bean is trying to be introduced to the industry to control future problems as it keeps moving that way.
There have been some concerns with this new technology before it has been made publicly available for sale or planting. The new costs that will come with a more expensive herbicide is an issue that we have heard. Special spray nozzles will have to be purchased while using this product on your beans. When spraying Dicamba it is strongly recommended that you maintain buffer area’s around your farm operation to minimize herbicide drift.
Having said that there seems to be more positive about the new technology that will is pending registration right now. The position on 2,4-D herbicide is that it will not be as effective as the new trait. From Harold Huff – Eastern Ontario District Sales Manager – “Lots of Coffee shop talk about if Dicamba beans would be the choice over 24D beans and hands down Dicamba is the choice.” With the widely spreading of Canadian Fleabane, and how it has become resistant to glyphosate and is in need of management, the new Roundup Ready 2 Xtend ™ Soybeans is looking like it will be welcomed by many into the agriculture world. As soon as the new Dicamba resistant soybeans are approved worldwide, Country Farm Seeds will have the technology for sale. Pre ordering is available for the Roundup Ready 2 Xtend ™. If the product does not become approved world-wide by the start of the New Year, we will substitute your order with a product of your choice.
Residue Management
Some would look at residue management and ask is there one great way to do this? The answer is, No. There are different ways to manage your residue after harvesting your crops. Residue Management has so many factors to consider when it comes to managing residue.
For last few years one way some farmers have been talking residue management or, “Trash,” is putting down 28% after harvest. They see good results with breaking down the left-over stocks. Reducing the trash on the top of the soil can help out with your soil in the future as well. By breaking down the left over stock it will only help the soil to warm as we come out of the frost season. Sometimes too much residue can keep your soil cooler which will make it more difficult when it comes to planting your crops.
Residue Management can be also looked at through the type of equipment that you use. Chopper heads on the new combines are gaining ground. A rotary mower can be used to mulch up the stocks to make them more manageable.
Tillage is another method for residue management. Andrew Pattemore – Central Ontario District Sales Manager – stated that, “more and more farmers are starting to do strip tillage as a type of residue management. By working strips into your field you get rid of the trash on the rows for easier planting and it also helps heat up the soil you are planting.” There are a few factors to consider when going with tillage as your choice to manage residue. Make sure to take your soil
type and crop rotation into consideration before making your decision, it might help you see a better way making your soil the best it can be before planting next season.
In the end, residue management will be looked at differently by many farmers. It depends on many factors within your whole farming operation.
Thank you for taking your time to read our Monthly Newsletter. Keep checking for updated news and events posted on our website, www.countryfarmseeds.com. If would like us to answer one of your agriculture questions in our next issue, email your question to: and we will make it a topic of discussion for our next issue. We are always here to help, if you have any question, do not hesitate to find a dealer or District Sales Manager near you.