Canola is a high risk crop and as we have seen in recent years like 2016 and 2015, seasonal variability increases growers to that risk however, when everything falls into place it can be a highly profitable and beneficial crop.
Understanding the reasons why canola experiences such drastic differences will enable growers to critically analyse canola in their farming system.
Because of the high input costs such as seed costs, nitrogen and sulphur fertiliser and windrowing, there is a higher risk linked to canola production than most other crops grown in the Wimmera and Mallee.
Agronomic management practices and decisions can reduce input costs, for example with optimising sowing date to ensure that crops are flowering at the ideal time thus reducing disease pressure.
In research presented by Mr Brill at the 2017 GRDC Research Update in Bendigo, there was relationship between early sowing and a heightened contact with fungal diseases.
While sowing time can assist in getting the greatest return out of your canola crop, you need to ensure you are matching this with the right variety and herbicide group.
The financial benefit associated with growing canola is not the only benefit the crop brings to the system. As a break crop its assistance in the control of pests, diseases and weeds should be taken into consideration when assessing how successful the crop has been.
BCG research and extension officer Jess Lemon also reminds growers that canola has benefits to whole farm rotation, as well as farm profitability.
“Including canola in the rotation can help improve farm logistics, widening the sowing window, staggering spray tasks and lengthening harvest time,”
“2016 was a successful year to be growing canola due to the good in-season rainfall. But, it is risky to include more than 15 per cent canola in the overall cropping plan.”
This is especially relevant in the Mallee, particularly without significant (>50mm) of stored soil moisture at sowing.
While climate forecasts can provide relevant decision information, at this time in the season the models have poor skill, thus increasing the uncertainty of the output.
Gaining access to soil moisture information is more likely to have a greater impact on sowing decisions. Information can be accessed via the Bureau of Meteorology website.
2016 was an exceptional year and it would be unreasonable to expect the same outcome in future seasons but the whole farming system needs to be considered when assessing the fit for canola.
Please find below further research conducted by BCG:
