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
Patches of Canadian Fleabane in a Soybean Field
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.
No-till Corn Planted In Corn Residue
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: [email protected] 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.