Struggling with delayed maturity and wet harvest conditions, producers now face crop insurance deadlines fast approaching for fall seeded cereals.
In Manitoba, deadlines are Sept. 15 for winter wheat and Sept. 21 for fall rye. In Saskatchewan, the deadline for fall seeded crops is Sept. 25.
In Alberta, the deadline for winter wheat is Sept. 20. For fall rye north of the Bow River, the deadline is Sept. 15 and south of the Bow it’s Sept. 30.
Winter wheat producers should be aware of several strategies to minimize the risks associated with seeding later than usual.
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Barry Ross, winter wheat agronomist with Ducks Unlimited Canada, said proper varietal selection is a priority.
“This fall’s winter wheat is not going to get off to a great start, and crop vigour will be the key. Producers should choose a rapidly growing variety such as Falcon, Raptor or Clair for the best results this fall.”
Adequate stubble cover is also important.
Ross advised against seeding into the light residue from peas or beans this year.
“Make sure it’s either canola or barley this year, and if going with barley, be sure to watch for leaf diseases in the spring.”
Shallow seeding depth is also important.
Seed as shallow as possible, about a centimetre deep.
“There will not be a problem with moisture this fall. The goal must be to get the crop out of the ground as fast as possible,” said Ross.
Another fall crop option is fall rye, which is hardier than winter wheat.
Vandaele Seeds of Medora, Man., bills itself as Canada’s rye company, marketing the product internationally for milling, distilling, feed and other end uses.
“We’re paying in the range of $2.70 per bushel to $3 per bu. for good quality rye right now, and for the past few years we could have purchased more,” said Cal Vandaele.
